nosinkanow said...

I've got a 460/25 mast and want to use it on a second sail specifically asking for 490/29 (8.0 sail). To save me buying another mast what problems would I encounter if I fitted a mast extender to give me that extra 30cm? I'll be using it on a long mast extension, full length of tube approx 50cm.

Alternatively I can raise the extension's collar, but what is the acceptable safe limit of tube inside the mast till I have "load bearing" problems and crack the bottom of the mast?

Luff length of sail is 508cm max. Any other information I should provide? Any other work arounds to this problem?

Its a bugger being on a tight budget isn't it.. You sound like me..

sboardcrazy said...
Its a bugger being on a tight budget isn't it.. You sound like me..

Yeah it sucks big time! I've gone on a painful budgeted spending spree because I'm seriously committing myself to the sport again. I've just bought used gear under 5 years old, an '08 KA Kult 6.4, HPL ally boom, ART Speedstick 80, deck plate assembly and currently waiting for the first 3 items to arrive. Living outside of cities sucks when it comes to finding used gear. However I'm getting there albeit slowly. I can't wait to put the rig together and get some sailing time!

Mobydisc said...
Dunno if it will be okay or not. I rig a North Warp 7.8m 2006 model on 460 mast. I think the luff is a bit over 5 meters. The sail's recommended mast is 460cm so its okay.

Perhaps it all depends on your mast extension.

It also sucks living in NSW where the lack of wind forces you to consider bigger and bigger sails.

Yeah I'm feeling the same lack of wind frustration as I did 20 years ago and I've only just clocked up less than 10 hours water time since Jan/Feb '10 and still haven't got planing! My current sail is a 5.8 Ezzy Wave, it can't even put a smile on my face as there hasn't been enough wind for it when I've had spare time....and that's using it on a Kona One! Weighing 100kg has its advantages in some sports but not in windsurfing! Well maybe speedsailing....but that's further down the track but I stillneed lotsa wind for that!

At the moment I'm shopping for a no cam or max 2 cams 7.5-8.0 sail to allow me more water time. I've sourced an 8.0 at a price I can afford, it ain't pretty at 8 years old but sound, I really want it but my mast determines if it will be mine or not!

Looking looking looking waiting waiting waiting....

nosinkanow said...

I've got a 460/25 mast and want to use it on a second sail specifically asking for 490/29 (8.0 sail). To save me buying another mast what problems would I encounter if I fitted a mast extender to give me that extra 30cm? I'll be using it on a long mast extension, full length of tube approx 50cm.

Alternatively I can raise the extension's collar, but what is the acceptable safe limit of tube inside the mast till I have "load bearing" problems and crack the bottom of the mast?

Luff length of sail is 508cm max. Any other information I should provide? Any other work arounds to this problem?

I have found 150mm extension insertion ok for a snug fit. For a loose fit you need more. I haven't tried an extender. Neither have I tried viagra.
Your mast will be a bit soft too. That may be ok if you were a light weight but as you are heavy..., well you can but suck it and see.

As an addendum, I stumbled across an alloy mast extender in my old 80s windsurfing box of bits. Totally forgot about it, its around 56cm..just have to get to it with a hacksaw to fit. It'll do the job nicely...a wee bit heavy but it'll lift the 460 to 490 and I'll see if the softness of the set-up bothers me. I might not even notice any difference.

I made my own extender out of a broken section of mast. I use an RDM 460 mast & add the 40cm extender to the base to make a 500 mast. I can now use my 8.5 sqm sail on the 460 mast. When making the extender I added some extra layers of carbon to make it very strong but it is quite heavy compared to a long alloy extension. At least I am confident that it won't break (or bend like an alloy extension). I have no problems with mast cut out - many sails now are designed for a softer mast & use long extensions of 25 cm plus. My sail (Loft Switchblade - luff 501cm max wind) seems to rig Ok on the softer 460 mast but it is something you must consider. If you can borrow a long extension & see how your sail rigs before going to the trouble of making one. Norths do sell extenders to suit normal diameter masts.

ab01 said...

I made my own extender out of a broken section of mast. I use an RDM 460 mast & add the 40cm extender to the base to make a 500 mast. I can now use my 8.5 sqm sail on the 460 mast. When making the extender I added some extra layers of carbon to make it very strong but it is quite heavy compared to a long alloy extension. At least I am confident that it won't break (or bend like an alloy extension). I have no problems with mast cut out - many sails now are designed for a softer mast & use long extensions of 25 cm plus. My sail (Loft Switchblade - luff 501cm max wind) seems to rig Ok on the softer 460 mast but it is something you must consider. If you can borrow a long extension & see how your sail rigs before going to the trouble of making one. Norths do sell extenders to suit normal diameter masts.

And for some more detailed notes on how to make an extender: carbonsugar.com/construction/the-10-step-carbon-extender/