Not sure I qualify for "wiser" but I'll have a go.

There's a danger you'll change the mast curve and stiffness. cutting the tip off a mast effectively makes it stiffer, but cutting the bottom of the top section should make that softer.
You also may cut off the area reinforced for the join, making it weaker.
In other words I wouldn't recommend it, unless somebody else has done it to a similar mast with no ill effects.

It can be done. If you are a 100% total expert and know the brand, bend curve, reflex response of the mast, and all the characteristics of the way the sail is cut and what brand / type of mast it is cut on.

Thus, yes it can be done but dont't .... no insult but there isn't many people who should consider cutting a mast down.

More pertinent may be: a 430 designed for North wave sails will never be ideal for a Tush speed sail. To make the most of a speed sail we're talking a 75% carbon minimum for reflex response alone. Further it is probably cut for a SDM and the North drop shape is a semi RDM (??).
Email Tush and ask but I'd suspect any North drop shape, even of correct length and IMCS, would not work well.

Thanks for the input guys. I have found out that the tushy sail just neeeds a consant curve SDM mast so i am undecided.

I have an old one peice 470 i dont use any more so i might try cutting that down and see what happens.

Looks like i'm on the hunt for a 400 mast. It never ends does it. there is always something else you need to get.

Thanks again
Cheers Bender

quote:

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Originally posted by Pugwash

Bender

search the forums(in the last year) for somthing like: "mast bend character". Should keep you entertained for a while

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www.peterman.dk/start-windsurfing-gb01.htm

Thanks for all the links. My evil twin mind has been telling me to "cut it down, it will work" and my sensible half has been saying "dont do it". I think sense has prevailed and i will look at getting a 400 mast. Thanks for the help guys.