This is the mast base (the bit that screws into the board first, onto which you attach the UJ) from my 1980s Windsurfer One Design...can someone please tell me if this bolt is the same size as the bolt on a modern mast foot? I don't have one for comparison. In other words, can I screw a modern mast foot into my board?
cheers

well I guess that's an American thread, I think most mastbases these days are metric, and I think a tad smaller, but I can't be sure of that.

Modern mast bases are M8 thread. Its hard to tell but that looks bigger, with not enough thread to reach a bolt in a modern mast track. Easy way to tell is to try it, if you've got a board handy?

edit: looking at it again, it might be M8, or a similar size....

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Subsonic said..
. ...Easy way to tell is to try it, if you've got a board handy?

I've got a 1980s Windsurfer One Design board and full matching rig here in Australia, but all my modern equipment is in another country. Bloody COVID!

I wouldn't mind getting at least one modern rig, but I'd like to know if it will attach to the board first. That's why m asking.

Just hoping a WOD owner will read this!

can you post a pic of the board mast track, might help non WOD owners. Could also call/email shops world wide, they may have someone who knows first hand.

here we go:

Get an M8 nut, if it screws onto your existing base easily, you're good to go.

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DavMen said..
Get an M8 nut, if it screws onto your existing base easily, your good to go.

I understand this. But I don't have one, so I'm asking here. I looked into ordering just the nut, to try it. But it's like $20 with postage, and a total waste of money whether it fits or not (because if it fits I'll need to order a mastfoot anyway). So...asking here!

I have that exact board and I'll check when it's daylight.

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Wet Willy said..

DavMen said..
Get an M8 nut, if it screws onto your existing base easily, your good to go.

I understand this. But I don't have one, so I'm asking here. I looked into ordering just the nut, to try it. But it's like $20 with postage, and a total waste of money whether it fits or not (because if it fits I'll need to order a mastfoot anyway). So...asking here!

You don't have a local hardware store?
0.17c at Bunnings or at worse $2.50 delivered from ebay - or go to your local mechanic I'm sure he has one lying around

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DavMen said..

Wet Willy said..

DavMen said..
Get an M8 nut, if it screws onto your existing base easily, your good to go.

I understand this. But I don't have one, so I'm asking here. I looked into ordering just the nut, to try it. But it's like $20 with postage, and a total waste of money whether it fits or not (because if it fits I'll need to order a mastfoot anyway). So...asking here!

You don't have a local hardware store?
0.17c at Bunnings or at worse $2.50 delivered from ebay - or go to your local mechanic I'm sure he has one lying around

Oh ok!! Sorry, I'm hardware illiterate. I didn't realise you could get them somewhere other than a surf shop. Going to bunnings today! Thanks!!!

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Awalkspoiled said..
I have that exact board and I'll check when it's daylight.

Great resources on this site!

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Awalkspoiled said..
I have that exact board and I'll check when it's daylight.

Thanks so much! Looking forward to it.

Bunnings have bolt testers in the fastenings aisle. Take it along and see what it fits.

I'll give you 8:2 it's not M8 and reverse odds it's a yankee imperial a bit bigger, possibly 3/8

It's slightly smaller than M8. Simplest might be to tap the insert on the board to get M8 to fit. A good hardware store will have an M8 tap.

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Awalkspoiled said..
It's slightly smaller than M8. Simplest might be to tap the insert on the board to get M8 to fit. A good hardware store will have an M8 tap.

wow that does surprise me, good job I didn't put any money on it!
But good solution!
In that case it's probably 5/16
Trouble is the original will no longer screw in, but new stuff is better anyway

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GasHazard said..
Bunnings have bolt testers in the fastenings aisle. Take it along and see what it fits.

That would be an interesting exercise but it wouldn't really help

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Awalkspoiled said..
It's slightly smaller than M8.

Aha! Thanks! Now I know it's not a fit, I'll look into alternatives. Cheers

Just did a google search for ya! "Bolt RetailTasmania", sorry can't copy and paste!

You could go to any of those places and they would have the bits and pieces to put it together, certainly identify what thread you have.

Contact Greg Johns at Windgenuity. windgenuity.com.au/brand/windsurfer/ He used to manufacture these Mk2 One Design boards here in Australia (post Sailboards Australia of Messrs Dulhunty & Kelly Original) and likely still has parts since these are still legal for Windsurfer Class notwithstanding the newer model Windsurfer LT. He may have spares in some box under the counter somewhere quite possibly if you are lucky. He still has the red dolphin fins for the One Design (pictured), the fin screws and daggerboard ratchet. He can give technical advice and is helpful too. He will know where the parts are or can be obtained as well if anything is possible he is the man. The board you have; also used to have a sliding mast with track pedal for on the fly changes and included or used some Tyronsea parts. See pictures below from 1985 Freesail for the Windsurfer 1986 model Mk2:

Thanks again, RichardG. I do have the red fin and the whole original rig complete with regulation sail, mechanical UJ, one-piece mast and tie-on boom! I'm quite keen to get a mast track with foot pedal though; not having that is really the one shortfall of this otherwise awesome board. I didn't realise it was an option for this model but it obviously is! I used to have an Equipe and I miss that function.
cheers

Hey, I have the same board and a regular mast base fits in it fine.

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drsuger said..
Hey, I have the same board and a regular mast base fits in it fine.

Hmmmm....interesting.
I don't suppose you know if the old base fits too? I will definitely have to take it to Bunnings now for a professional measurement