I apologize for the numerous questions in the past week. I am just getting ready to sail on my own gear for the first time and want to make sure I have everything in order since I never went over rigging in my lessons.

I have a boom for my board that measures in intervals of 2 (166, 168, 170, etc.). The sail that I'll be using has the boom size listed at 169. So am I able to put the boom on the next available setting or should I drill an extra hole in the adjustment part of the boom (I would rather not unless it's the only way). Lastly, if I were to put it on the next nearby setting would it be better to put it at 168 or 170? The sail is a 2009 Gaastra Remedy 4.8 if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

Don't go drilling another hole!

It'll be fine rigged at 170/168, just let the outhaul off a little if need be.

I'm sure you'll end up rigging somewhere where other people rig. Don't be afraid to ask advice. Most windsurfers will be more than happy to help with a few tips.

Thank you! I was really hoping it was an answer as simple as that!

Boom measure is the maximum, most of the time you need less or the sail will be too flat. Often the downhaul and outhaul measures are just an indication, don't follow them too literally. There are many videos that show you how to rig. Learn to judge the leech floppiness, the shape along the boom, then with practice you will identify the feeling of the sail in the water and how to adjust it to improve the balance.

You will weaken your boom putting more hole s in .

on ezzy sails they give you 2 boom settings .min and max ..I use the max ..setting .

and just let if off a bit after the sail is rigged .

have fun on your own gear .

Boom length measurements vary from brand to brand. I can only guess that some of them measure to the outside of the boom clamp and others to the mast fitting. If you can find a rigging guide for the sail that tells you if it should be drum tight or a bit looser outhaul when rigged you will have a better idea of how the sail should be set
Also, how heavy are you? A 4.8m sail is quite small for most people. It gets you up and planning in strong wind, but beginners generally don't go out in strong wind

Glad I asked the question! A lot of good information.

Mr Milk, I currently weigh about 180 lbs but I don't feel I have enough experience yet to begin planing and water starting. I figured a 4.8 will allow me to practice the basics on lighter days and maybe get moving a little more on days that are a bit windier. After I feel a little more comfortable I plan to sell my 4.8 and get something bigger. Also this time a year near me is usually very windy so I want to get out as often as I can as a beginner.

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ryanjh said..
Glad I asked the question! A lot of good information.

Mr Milk, I currently weigh about 180 lbs but I don't feel I have enough experience yet to begin planing and water starting. I figured a 4.8 will allow me to practice the basics on lighter days and maybe get moving a little more on days that are a bit windier. After I feel a little more comfortable I plan to sell my 4.8 and get something bigger. Also this time a year near me is usually very windy so I want to get out as often as I can as a beginner.

When I was beginning I found that the wind didn't ask me about my skill level, so be ready if you find yourself planing. Don't hold yourself back, learn the basics and enjoy the ride. Learning is fun and mistakes are common. Wear a buoyancy vest to help with waterstarting. The quicker you learn to waterstart the better because it saves a lot of energy so you can stay on the water longer.

Don't sell your 4.8, unless it's a beat up piece of crap, keep it, it's the beginning of your sail quiver, we all need several sail sizes for different wind velocities. I've got 6 different sizes, and that's not uncommon.