Pre-loved Wayler

Question
QUESTION: Hey Windlover,
Just picked up a pre-loved Wayler board (For $AUS20. I'm hoping it's a non-waterlogged bargain). Everything seems intact, including sail and 'pin'-type mast foot. There DOES seem to be something missing between the foot and mast-lug (?) though. Some sort of cartilage or cushioning pad perhaps? Does this make sense? I'm thinking of fashioning something out of an old truck or car tyre maybe...
Thanks for your help.
Matt (NSW, Oz)

ANSWER: Hey Matt,

Without seeing a picture of your mast foot and mast base, I'm not really sure what part you feel that you are missing. So, here is a link to what modern style mast bases look like.

http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/index.php?cPath=2&osCsid=cv0tg3rj78mc01l5

An older Wayler probably has a part that connects directly into the board (usually a plastic male fitting going into the hole in the board) and then goes up to a rubber tendon or u-joint, then the mast base. These three parts should all be connected. If you have the bottom part that goes into the board, then you are in good shape. You HAVE to have that part or your board is a Stand Up Paddle board. They don't make those parts any more and they are very difficult to find. The rubber tendon or U-joint (don't remember what a Whayler used) is replaceable along with the upper mast base part. So, check out what you have and check the link above. If you are not sure what you have or if something still seems to be missing, take a picture of all the base parts. Lay them on the board so I can see the connection point on the board in the pic too. Seeing a pic, I can determine what you may or may not need.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

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Wayler 11   QUESTION: Hey Windlover,
Thanks for the link. It was helpful in giving me some ideas as to what's missing. Unfortunately, further research on my part failed to enlighten me any further...
Maybe you can help? Pls find pic attached as requested.
And thanks for your help so far.
Matt

Answer
Hey Matt,

Your mast foot seems to be in working order. Unfortunately that was the design of the 'U-Joint' back then. You should still be able to use it but not sure how long it is going to last. You could replace the rope and get more use out of the base.

If you are wanting to upgrade, I would suggest trying to gently separate the two lower parts (the white round part and the square based purple part) by removing the 4 screws. Then see if the lower part is removable. If so, you might be able to retrofit the lower part onto a modern mast base. The lower part is the one specific part that you HAVE to have to make your mast base work on your board.

Another option would be to get a modern base, remove the stud on the bottom, and then drill holes to match the four screws on your old base and attach a modern base to the old base. Basically replace the square based purple part with a modern base system.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover