Plank Stiffness

[NEIL BETTS]

At our club's annual meeting this year the topic of plank stiffness came up. The main focus of the discussion was what is the latest thought on plank stiffness with the the flexible composite masts now being sailed. What is the latest thought on what plank deflection should be? One of the last numbers I heard was 1 3/4" to 1 1/2" with the weight of the skipper in the boat. Maybe some one can shed some light on this subject for us.

Thanks DN4396

[Bob Gray]

Neil,
   I'm pretty sure Ron Sherry builds his planks for 1 3/4'' deflection with sailors weight plus 30 lbs.. I hope Paul will correct me if I'm wrong. I also believe he builds them with 2 1/8'' final crown. Some of us like stiffer planks, mine deflects 1 1/2'' with me + 30. I must say it's hard to argue with Ron considering his success.
                                                                        BOB