I just bought a secondhand Aerotech 7m sail, and need a mast to go with it.

The stated luff is 486 - 490 cm, my extension can go up to 30 cm, and I plan to use it from 12-15 knots (anything much above 15 knots and I'll use a smaller sail) so don't need to really crank the downhaul on.

Would I be able to get away with a 460 mast? Is it a bit dodgy to use the top hole of an extension? It also says that it likes an IMCS of 29.5, how critical is this? The reason I'm asking is that newer sails tend to use smaller masts (I think!) so when I decide to replace the sail I don't want to have to get a 460 then as well. 7m is the biggest I ever plan on getting.

P.S. It also looks like there's a batten missing inside the zipper at the top of the sail, does anyone know anything about this?

nebs... Rig it on the potential masts and see... Generally, the smaller mast will most probably lead to a softer leech (a little less power and a little more performance off the wind). The longer mast (stiffer) will probably make for a stiffer rig, encourage early planing and better upwind performance... Has it got an adjustable head at 486, sounds as though it should rig on a 460.

Good luck...

Hey nebs I think 490 going to be to long by the time you add 100mm for the extension. What model is the sail.
ta vando