Question
Base Plate & Mast Foot
Hello
I've just decided to get back into windsurfing. I did it a fair bit about 10 years ago, but all with rented equipment. This time I've been buying up parts from EBAY and I'm pretty much there I think. I just tried rigging everything up and all seems fine except for the mast-foot on the end of the mast extension which seems to have an attachment that is miles bigger than the base plate on the board.
The mast foot that I have (which I think is much older than the board), is about 2cm in diameter, much bigger than the hole it has to go into. Are there lots of different kinds of mast foot or is there a modern standard that I likely have? The board is a Fanatic Gecko 298.
I have attached a picture of the base plate - the hole is about 13 or 14 mm across.
Also a picture of the offending "oversize" mast foot!
Thanks for your help.
Jem
AnswerHey Jem,
Great to hear that you are getting back into sailing.
You need to replace the 22mm part with a smaller pin. You could probably match you needs at this site;
http://www.sailski.com/windsurfer-parts.htm
Another option is to replace the whole mast base with a new one. This will eliminate your base plate, hourglass (u-joint), and base. Chinook mast bases will fit most standard size mast extensions and will attach to your board with no problems. Check out the Chinook bases and extentions at the above site or go here;
http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/
You can also find decent used bases and extensions on ebay or your local craigslist.
Looking at your pics, replacing your current items with newer used or new would be a serious consideration. Your old parts may work fine but when they decide to break, you may be stranded somewhere you don't want to be. These are extremely important parts and you don't want to have any failure on the water. There are many self rescue techniques for broken booms, masts, & torn sails. The only thing for a broken mast foot/base is paddling back in with the possibility of having to ditch your rig to safely return to shore.
Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing safely,
Windlover
