+x Zorbit - 1/11/2019 3:42:27 PMI'm not qualified to comment on the strength issues raised, but can add some details based on working in a yacht builders for a couple of years.The company I worked for used carbon masts and bowsprits, and fixings to the end of carbon tubes were made via Delrin or hardwood plugs fitted inside and butting to the end of the tubes. Hardwood plugs were thoroughly coated with West epoxy and sanded for a key, all plugs had a drain hole. Plugs were fixed in with a Sikaflex product, sorry I can't remember which one, and stainless screws.If a stainless clamp type fitting was used a "bandage" of epoxy/carbon was used to reinforce that area, through bolts were supported by hardwood inserts inside the tube.On the photo of the bowsprit, the supporting ring looks quite hard / sharp edged. That would worry me if a plain tube was used, I would prefer a bandage around the tube at that point.