I have a RSX 225 to 265 carbon X9 boom.
On it's smallest setting it only fits my largest sail 9.4
I want to chop it down so it fits my next biggest 8.2. Which I currently use a unifibre 180 -240 at 215 cm. ( 35 ext ) even though it's carbon I don't like using this much ext and the sail rests too much on the boom arms . Much better if I could use the wider X9.
So my question is , can I safely chop 20 cm off the boom arms ? I'm worried that the tube thickness , ( and there is no way of checking ) may be thinner there . Do they make it thicker on the ends for the pin holes and general strength ?
Anyone done this , problems , advice before I start hacking ?

Google white lion windsurfing, he has done the same with successfully

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AUS 814 said..
Google white lion windsurfing, he has done the same with successfully

Awesome !
Thanks

One issue can be the curve of the boom. Given the current adjustment range of the boom, obviously there will be 40cm of "straight" in the boom before it curves- but will it extend another 20cm with no curve?

Even if the curve is very limited, it could stop the extension being able to slide all the way in.

Clarence

What Clarence says is true. So just split the difference. Take half off the front end arms n half off the tailpiece.

Shortening the tailpiece is ok .
I actually only need to shorten 15 cm.
Then I'll shove the tailpiece all the way in and then chop the tailpiece what the measurement on the tailpiece reads . Simples

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olskool said..
What Clarence says is true. So just split the difference. Take half off the front end arms n half off the tailpiece.

I wouldn't
You will narrow the front which will likely be too narrow for race sails?
Plus its probably monocoque...

It is monocoque

This is exactly what you are asking: whitelionwindsurfing.blogspot.com/2010/04/diy-booms-shortening-x9-boom.html

Another useful link below.

Iv'e cut a fiberspar and HPL carbon booms in the past. I'm crap at DIY, but both where straight forward afternoon jobs. both work out well and saved me shelling out for extra booms.

Go for it:)

peterman.dk/windsurf-NP-X9-boom-shortening-1000.htm

Maybe start cutting 10cm and check the wall thickness before cutting the next 10cm if you're not sure.

Why does it matter if its mono? Youd be cutting the front ends straight rear section shorter? Front stays same width?

I've done it with other booms and had no problems, in both cases cut about 10 cm off and left the tail untouched. In my opinion it actually makes the boom stiffer

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olskool said..
Why does it matter if its mono? Youd be cutting the front ends straight rear section shorter? Front stays same width?

because it is a giant continuous u-shape

where would u cut the front?

^^ Nah nah nah. Im suggesting to cut the the rear (the straight bit) of the front mono section.??? Where the clips are. If tailpiece slides internally into front, the tailpiece hits the bungs in the front arms long before it binds up from curvature. Boom can then fill with water if bungs not sealing.

In case anyone is wondering i successfully chopped 15 cm off the boom length. The tail piece still slid all the way in without chopping . Bonus !
So a NP X9 RSX 225 to 265 can comfortably be shortened 15 cm without a problem.