Mistral One Design u joint and mast base

Question
Hi Windlover,

I have just buy a Mistral one design board from a friend because i want to get started with this sport, the case is that the equipment my friend sold me didnt have the u joint, i was reviewing and the board is just fine but this part i cannot find it anywhere, i dont care if its used or new, the question is where i can find the u joint and mast base(because it looks broken) for a mistral one design?


pleaseee , i'm getting sad because i have everything else but without that it's useless

Answer
Hey Charly,

There are a couple of things I need you to check to determine what you will need to get you on the water. First, does your One Design have a moveable mast track? If so, there should be a pedal at the aft end of the mast track that when pressed, allows the mast track to move forward and  back in the mast track. The pedal may be laying flat in the board and will pivot up so that you can press it with your foot while sailing. There will be a part that slides back and forth in the track when the pedal is depressed. This is the mast track 'car'. It will have two holes. One hole will receive a slotted pin and lock down with a lever on the aft end of the car (look down in the hole for two steel bars, the lever moves them in and out). The forward hole will receive a threaded stud on the bottom of a mast base. This type of mast base is a standard type base that will have an 8mm threaded stud in the bottom of the u-joint. This standard base will also work on a standard track with a slider nut (read below).

The other type of mast track you may have is a standard type mast track and will require a standard mast base with a slider nut. The nut goes on the threaded stud of the mast base and then insert the slider nut into the wide spot of the track at the aft end. Slide the base forward to the desired position and tighten the mast base. The mast will stay in this fixed position until you loosen the base and reposition the mast.

Here is a place to buy a standard mast base and extensions. www.chinooksailing.com  Look under bases and extensions for descriptions and types. You will be looking for the basic base with a rubber u-joint. You can shop online for these at other online windsurfing shops but the prices are going to be about the same. The only way to get a better price is to buy used via ebay or craigslist. The pros are good prices, the cons are not knowing the true condition of the items unless you are able to find someone near you that has a used base and you can physically examine it prior to purchase. Personally, I would just by a new base and extension and eliminate the worry of a part breaking on me out on the water. If the base fails on the water, it could be a long paddle back to shore.

For some great instructional information along with some good self rescue techniques, go to www.windsurfingmag.com under how-to. Be sure to peruse all the beginner and intermediate areas to find all the best info to help you get started.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover