mastbase for BIC Samba

Question
I bought a BIC Samba inn the early 1990's and used it a few times and then put it in storage.  I got it out a few days ago and rigged it up and was about to start to sail when the part that connects the mast to the board broke in half.  I'm sure there's not a lot of replacement parts out there but what can I do to make it sail again, everything else is still ok and working!  I have 2 sails and 2 mast extensions but the part that looks like an hour glass with 2 pin in either side is the thing that broke in half.  I really want to sail again but don't have money to buy all new equipment.

Answer
Hey Cindy,

The broken part is easily replaceable from this place;

http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/index.php?cPath=2_76

Try to be careful with any plastic parts as they are not replaceable for a board that old. If you do break any parts on the base or an extension, you will have to buy a new base or extension. They are also available at the above website.

Just remove your pins and put them into the new hourglass. You can clamp the old parts in a vise or use large channel locks to hold the hourglass part and unscrew the pins. The large part of the hourglass has a metal washer built into it so clamp at that point. You may need to spray the connection with something like liquid wrench and let it set for a while to loosen the threads as there may be a little rust or oxidation holding the pins tight. Wrap a rag or a piece of rubber inner tube around the pin so that you don't gouge the pin with the teeth on the pliers or what ever tool you use to loosen the pins. If you do get some gouges, file them smooth.

It is a good idea to use a small amount of BLUE locktight on the threads of the pins when you install them on the new hourglass. Be sure to use BLUE locktight. Red locktight is almost permanent, BLUE is removable but will prevent the pins from working loose.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover