Mistral Malibu Boom Head Replacement - Find the Right Fit

Question
QUESTION: I have an older Mistral Malibu rig I got second hand. After using it several times, I broke the boom head. Any recommendations for replacements short of a new boom? Diameter of boom arms is ~1.34", angle of arms is about 40 degrees at the head. I've found a few clamp heads out there, but none look like they'll fit.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hey Chris,

You can get a replacement head here;

http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/product_info.php?cPath=1_26&products_id=8

The angle may be just a bit different but take the tail off your boom, attach the arms to the new head and then put the tail back on.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Angle on that head is 90 deg. Mine is ~40 deg. Seems like that will have a significant effect on the shape and length of the boom. Any other replacement heads with smaller angle you know of? I looked around and haven't found any. I may have access to a tubing bender and may try slightly modifying my boom arms if that's the only one out there. It's a cheap part at least.

Thanks again.

Answer
Hey Chris,

I don't know of any other source for a 40 deg. boom head. I replaced the same boom head with the same 90 deg. clamp on boom head and it worked just fine. It did put just a little bit different shape in the boom arms but it didn't affect the performance.

If you do use a tube bender on your booms, be patient and make lots of small adjustments instead of trying to get it done quickly with just a few adjustments. Remember that your boom is aluminum and any crease with cause a weak point, which could leave you stranded on the water with a broken boom.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover