I have got a old 460 mast that has got an extension stuck in it, so I can't change the height and it is only just short enough to use one of my sails.
I was thinking about cutting around 14cm off the bottom so I can get the extension out and then it is short enough to use my 5.7 and 6.6 which normally use a 430 which i can only use if my dad isn't using because we only have one. The luff of those sails is 448 and 446 so it would be short enough to use those and then with an extension at 26cm I would be able to use my 7.7 which has a luff of 473.
the extension i use goes to 28 so would it still fit in the mast if fully lowered and the mast was shortened, and is it going to work if I do it. I mostly go out and do bump and jump stuff but I am getting into freerace sort of stuff and I go down to sandy point and stuff with my dad a bit for speed stuff.
One of the sails is a wave sail, and the others are race.

The cut down mast and extension will be slightly stiffer than the equivalent 430 mast and extension with the 5.7 & 6.6. Conversely the cut down mast and extension will be slightly less stiff than the original 460 and extension with the 7.7. Will this matter? The purists will say it does. The reality is that you or your dad will probably not notice.

I agree with Mark and would try again at getting the base out. My first suggestion would be to clamp a boom tightly onto the usual boom reinforcement area to use as a long lever arm for twisting. Then set up some sort of twisting lever arm for the base. If your base has the two push-pin system, get a long posi-drive screwdriver and insert it through the two holes so you can use one hand on each end of the screw driver. You could then try to add some penetrating lubricant like WD-40. Don't try to pull the base out at first until you have used the lever arms to twist it free. Worth a try before you move on to cutting the mast.

i've trimmed a mast down before.. results not great, too stiff and wrong bend curve. but can be done if you're not fussy

Mark _australia said..
I bet it ain’t stuck

if the extension has not corroded and swelled the mast, or gone too far up the mast and swelled it, I would bet it can be resolved without cutting.


what have you tried so far?

the mast is over 20 years old from what I was told when I was given it, The extension has been stuck in it for quite along time too before I got it, Looks like it is corroded a bit.
I have tried clamping it and twisting it with the screwdriver through the holes on the extension but no luck, I was thinking of trying to knock it out from by going down the inside of the mast from the top but I'm not sure what I have that might work to do that.

Classic powerex. Broke two of those doing barely nothing. Do with that information what you will...

But it’s prob sand in those grooves rather than corrosion so good twist attempts with the bashing may help. As may sensible heating of the bottom of the mast

Something to keep in mind if you do end up cutting the mast. Masts are reinforced at the bottom and at the boom area. If your boom height puts you outside that reinforced area after you cut the mast, be prepared for a quickly broken mast. If your cut puts the base in an unreinforced area, same concern.

^^^^ that’s a lotta work for apparently not having tried the vertical wobble……
but what’s holding the wood to the mast? The upper section will want to loosen due to the mast taper so must be clamped hard….?

Mark _australia said..
^^^^ that’s a lotta work for apparently not having tried the vertical wobble……

The vertical wobble works every time.

John340 said


The vertical wobble works every time.

Yup but keep it a secret cos I get free masts by betting I can do it 🤣

Cutting it in a pinch yes, just a touch on either side but otherwise it may be too stiff for the sail. Won't be able to sell it either after. Also the curve will be altered some, though not a big deal if it's just a little bit.

I would try to pull it apart:

Oh it's the extension, then it's easier as it's more résistant to heavy clamping. You can dip it in hot water then in ice cold water.

Check if it's oxidation what you can do to break it apart with things like penetrating oil.

Ollie0110 said..
I was thinking about cutting around 14cm off the bottom so I can get the extension out and then it is short enough to use my 5.7 and 6.6 which normally use a 430

How long is the extension?

From the picture I'm guessing that it far from set at maximum extension, and then you have an additional 10cm (approximately) after that. So unless it is set at, or near, maximum extension you will need to cut off a lot more than 14cm.