1 posts
How necessary are mast extensions?
I am a newbie when it comes to windsurfing and decided to go out and buy a second hand board/sail/mast/boom
But do I need a mast extension?
The Mast is 430cm with the sail being a Gaastra sail 4.4 Radwave Luff - 450cm - 465cm. I wasn't given a mast extension but I feel like I do need one because isn't the mast meant to be the same as the LUFF ? Also it doesn't have a downhaul pulley on the sail.
Any help, much appreciated.
SA
2770 posts
Yeah, you need one. That's the accessory that connects the sail to the board.
SA
48 posts
Not only is a mast extension required, but you will also require the fitting that attaches the mast extension to the board which includes the flexible universal joint. Suggest take a trip to a shop that sells windsurfing gear and make sure you understand what is required for a complete setup.
As for the sail not having a downhaul pulley....how old are these suckers? Back in the early days my sails only had a brass eyelet. To make downhauling easier I purchased a fitting that can only described as a hook with 3 pulleys. The hook part of the fitting hooked over the eyelet and below were the pulleys to connect with the mast foot. I assume you can still buy these?
597 posts
Mast 430cm + extension = luff length, for example
430 + 20cm mast extension gives you your luff length of 450