Removing a HiFly Mast Base: A Step-by-Step Guide

Question
I have an OLD HiFly board.  I want to take the mast base off so I can use it as a paddle board when there is no wind.  I haven't used it in 20 years and forgot how to remove the mast base.  Can you help?

Answer
Hey Barbara,

Those older boards usually had some type of twist lock or a clip that held the base in. Either type usually had the locking rods or clips going parallel to the board. The twist type may have a button to push up on to unlock the safety pin and then twist 90 degrees and lift it out. The clip type would be a metal u shaped clip that pulls toward either the back or front of the board to release the base.

The other possibility is that you have a standard type base. This type has a threaded stud on the bottom that attaches to a slider nut in the mast track. Just twist it off like unscrewing a lid. Could be difficult due to rust, corrosion, salt, sand, etc. causing a binding of the parts. If this is the case, soak it down good with water.

If you can send a pic I should be able to determine what is needed to get it loose.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover