How to shorten mast length?:-)

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Created by

Johndesu > 9 months ago, 24 Nov 2020

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

24 Nov 2020 11:07am

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with a short foil mast, is it possible to shorten a foil mast (or get a shorter mast), I surf over shallow reef / rocks etc. and need a bit more wiggle room around 20"/ 50cm would be nice maybe (I already have 60cm ?:-)

Piros

QLD

7251 posts

24 Nov 2020 10:34am

Drop saw and re-tap holes , easy peasy. Assuming it's an Ali mast ,Naish , Axis , NP ect . Just make sure you cut the end without any rebates or checkouts.

scotty100

QLD

233 posts

24 Nov 2020 11:05am

Just let me have a go, I shorten heaps when I bend them hahaha

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

24 Nov 2020 12:10pm

Select to expand quote

Piros said..
Drop saw and re-tap holes , easy peasy. Assuming it's an Ali mast ,Naish , Axis , NP ect . Just make sure you cut the end without any rebates or checkouts.

Ok what about a go foil mast, is it possible maybe?:-)

Scotty Mac

2060 posts

24 Nov 2020 11:59am

The original 24.5 inch Go foil mast is about as short as you want to go IMO. Plenty of them cheap S/H around.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

24 Nov 2020 1:19pm

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Scotty Mac said..
The original 24.5 inch Go foil mast is about as short as you want to go IMO. Plenty of them cheap S/H around.

Yes Scotty that is the one I now have but it is still too long (and even longer with the track plate adaptor:-)

Hdip

466 posts

24 Nov 2020 11:08am

A guy out here rides a 20 inch AXIS mast. I think it's about that length anyway. He's very good on it, even pumps it decently. It does look silly to me, but he loves it. His 910 front wing is clear of scratches. My front wings have scratches all over them haha.

LeeD

3939 posts

24 Nov 2020 11:21am

Cut and re weld the aluminum.
50cm is fine unless it's deep water ocean swells.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

24 Nov 2020 2:56pm

Oh really that sounds good but do you thing the reweld would be accurate / spot on as before?:-)

PrfctChaos

82 posts

24 Nov 2020 12:41pm

You guys out here welding carbon masts? Truly living in the future now.

Scotty Mac

2060 posts

24 Nov 2020 10:36pm

Ride high! I think if your grounding on that mast i am not sure anything shorter be too much fun!

LeeD

3939 posts

25 Nov 2020 12:57am

Carbon mast is easier.
Cut, sleeve, reglass. Very little added weight.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

25 Nov 2020 10:53am

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LeeD said..
Cut and re weld the aluminum.
50cm is fine unless it's deep water ocean swells.

So LeeD do you know what would be the best place to cut or deweld the mast and then reweld it ?:-)

container

31 posts

27 Nov 2020 12:50am

For a composite mast right in the middle is best. I did this to one of mine back in the day, 900mm was too big for learning so chopped 200mm out of the middle. Once you have ground a healthy rebate and laminate with as close to the original layup (or just an even mix of carbon unis and biax) you will never know it was chopped.

LeeD

3939 posts

28 Nov 2020 3:43am

Sorry, I live in California and would use the local metal workshop. Most metal suppliers do basic welding for not much cost.
Amy machine shop, and most auto and boat repair shops.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

28 Nov 2020 11:27am

Select to expand quote

container said..
For a composite mast right in the middle is best. I did this to one of mine back in the day, 900mm was too big for learning so chopped 200mm out of the middle. Once you have ground a healthy rebate and laminate with as close to the original layup (or just an even mix of carbon unis and biax) you will never know it was chopped.

Sounds good but a bit difficult/tricky for me, container do you think you could give me more instructional info please ?:-)

LeeD

3939 posts

28 Nov 2020 9:39am

Cut it, add wood stringer, pour 2 part foam to seal, stick it together, glass wrap.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

28 Nov 2020 1:39pm

Select to expand quote

LeeD said..
Cut it, add wood stringer, pour 2 part foam to seal, stick it together, glass wrap.

Yes I understand but what is the best "2 part form seal" / Araldite etc?:-)

LeeD

3939 posts

28 Nov 2020 10:52am

2 part polyurethane foam, the brown stuff, expands like Gorilla Glue..which is stronger and will work fine.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

28 Nov 2020 2:57pm

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LeeD said..
2 part polyurethane foam, the brown stuff, expands like Gorilla Glue..which is stronger and will work fine.

Ok thanks I will see if I can get hear:-)

tinka

QLD

80 posts

28 Nov 2020 8:47pm

Select to expand quote

Johndesu said..
Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with a short foil mast, is it possible to shorten a foil mast (or get a shorter mast), I surf over shallow reef / rocks etc. and need a bit more wiggle room around 20"/ 50cm would be nice maybe (I already have 60cm ?:-)

I would just sell it and get another foil set up.Its always going to be a weak spot and eventually cause you a headache,fusing it back together ,and another headache when it fails.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

29 Nov 2020 10:15am

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tinka said..

I would just sell it and get another foil set up.Its always going to be a weak spot and eventually cause you a headache,fusing it back together ,and another headache when it fails.

Ken I was thinking of actually cutting the Go Foil mast to about 40cm (total length) from the tuttel end
and permanently attaching it to a carbon track mount (which I have lying around), I just need to figure the best method of attachment / bonding / glueing etc. so it will be super secure & tight fit:-)

LeeD

3939 posts

29 Nov 2020 7:26am

I suspect 40 cm to be on the "too short" side.
Strength of the tail of the board should be the first concern
Flex in the foil unit gives it durability.

Johndesu

NSW

566 posts

30 Nov 2020 1:22pm

Select to expand quote

LeeD said..
I suspect 40 cm to be on the "too short" side.
Strength of the tail of the board should be the first concern
Flex in the foil unit gives it durability.

I have recently started buying Armstrong foil stuff (I just need to buy their 45cm Mast) so I have decided to sell all my Go Foil gear :-)

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