Normally I do not change my mast base position, but because it is a single bolt Streamlined base I needed to position it every time I set up (have marks on board). Cannot use my two bolt base because I have to go so far back on the 2016 Goya Bolt 135 mast track to balance the foil. Yesterday had gusty conditions 9-14 knots, went with my 7.2 Freespeed sail but was worried about the gusts lifting me completely out of the water so moved the mast base about 3/16" more towards the nose than normal. Was surprised at the change with the AFS foil and F770 wing, board wanted to stay just off the water clipping the light chop, felt like windsurfing, was fun so I stayed with it until gusts came down, then switched to the F1080 wing AND moved the mast base back to the normal position, foil lifted off the water with a touch of back foot pressure like normal. Really surprised at how such a small change in mast track position affected the foil so much. I still have about 3/16" that I can move the mast base back from the normal position, before the end of the track. Will try moving the mast base all the way back the next time in light winds to see if it makes the foil get up any easier/earlier.

That why twin track is good.

Without tracks for the foil the sail mast base is the only way to balance the board for different size rigs.
Unless the foot straps are moved of course.
The mast base has a long lever arm so a few kilos rig mass will have a large moment on the foil balance.
Usually I will set the base to match the sail.

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FarNorthSurfer said..
Without tracks for the foil the sail mast base is the only way to balance the board for different size rigs.
Unless the foot straps are moved of course.
The mast base has a long lever arm so a few kilos rig mass will have a large moment on the foil balance.
Usually I will set the base to match the sail.

Interesting, will keep that in mind FarNorthSurfer, though I guess the reason I never move the mast base is because I have so little mast track left to work with on my 2016 Goya Bolt, but now realizing the remaining 3/16-1/4" could be useable and based on what you said and that I use a heavier/larger sail in light winds that last 3/16" may be really helpful in light winds!

The influence of mast base position is huge but, as I've just written in another thread, if the wind goes up and down you could be changing mast base position all the time, so I took out the straps and now I move dynamically my feet to change my weight position and don't have to stop for making changes continously.

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Mucel said..
The influence of mast base position is huge but, as I've just written in another thread, if the wind goes up and down you could be changing mast base position all the time, so I took out the straps and now I move dynamically my feet to change my weight position and don't have to stop for making changes continously.

I love Windfoiling my Hypernut strapless and harness free with a big surf foil and small sails in the swells out back. But on the JP153 and AFS Foil it is better to use the straps and harness and use gusts to accelerate the board with body weight adjustments. It doesn't like so much the strapless style.

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Mucel said..
The influence of mast base position is huge but, as I've just written in another thread, if the wind goes up and down you could be changing mast base position all the time, so I took out the straps and now I move dynamically my feet to change my weight position and don't have to stop for making changes continously.

I agree totally, I can not relate to the discussions on changing mast base and foil positions. I ride strapless and when I switch foils, boards, sails I do nothing I just get on the board and go. I have ridden on boards with straps and have come to realize I am not good enough to ride with straps because for me its requires more skill. Skill I do not have!