RE: HiFly Sailboard

Question
QUESTION: Hello Windlover,

I ran across an old post by you where you were hunting for parts and info on an old HiFly sailboard.

I have one that I just purchased at our local Goodwill and I am trying to run down a mast base (or figure out what to use as a replacement).

I also need the rear fin and there are no battens in the sail.

In case I sound stupid here<g> I am an old Hobie Cat sailor from 25 years ago, but never windsurfed.

However we have some lakes around here and the HiFly caught my eye for use in SUP.

Of course now that I have it, my sailing blood is heating up again so I am looking into maybe trying to get it setup for that.

Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hey Charles,

The one thing we need to determine is, 'What type of mast base do you need'? If your board has a standard type mast track, then any new mast base will work. It will be a slot about 14" long. If there is just a couple of holes, then I'm afraid that you have just a SUP. Finding an older style base that is specific to an old board is very difficult. Ebay & Craigslist are about the only resources for older gear.

But, if your mast track is a slot type, then here is what you need,

http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/index.php?cPath=2_31_32

You can also get aftermarket battens. Measure the batten pockets and add about 4". Then go to www.windance.com and put 'battens' in the search box. Not sure how to order multiple battens with different lengths but just email them and they will take good care of you.

They also have new and used fins available that will work for your board. You will need to get a US Box, A box, or Chinook type of fin to fit your board.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Winlover!

"The one thing we need to determine is, 'What type of mast base do you need'?"

Here are some photos I took today:

The Mast Slot:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/193/hiflymastslot.jpg/

The Tail Fin Slot:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/828/hiflyfinslot.jpg/

The Tail:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/hiflytail.jpg/

The Tail with the Mast, Sail and Boom:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/hiflyall.jpg/

The Daggerboards:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/hiflydaggerboards.jpg/

The Boom:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/hiflyboom.jpg/

The Boom - with the dented spot:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/hiflyboomcrush.jpg/


From some searching of web photos, it appears that this may be a HiFly 300.  Does that look right?

Also note that the boom has a dent.  I don't anticipate using this old board in any heavy weather (if I get it going as anything other than a SUP), but wanted to point that out in case it matters.

The mast shows it's age a bit in that the fiberglass has some hairs standing up along it (as I discovered in handling it<g>).

Also on the mast track,  there seems to be a bungee around the inside that would need to be replaced (assuming the track is usable with a replacement base), or not I guess (if the new base type did not use it).


I appreciate the help identifying what I have here (the only clue I had was a decal on the mast base) and in determining if there is any hope for it other than a SUP.


Speaking of which, I ran across this video of Mark Moquin doing SUP on an old HiFly board:
http://www.stableroad.com/videos/moqstandup.htm


Based on that, it looks like the board should work well as a SUP if nothing else.

I was thinking that if I have to go this way, I may get a tail fin and then fill the other holes (including the daggerboard slot) and maybe even put some non-skid across the board where I would stand for some extra tracton.

Of course any day on the water is better than one spent elsewhere<g>.

ANSWER: Hey Charles,

HiFly 300 sounds about right for that board. Pretty standard longboard for its time. The dented boom should not be a problem but it is a bit of a weak spot. It is also an older tie on boom. For some very detailed instructions on how to attach your boom, go to my answered questions and search 'tie on boom'. As for the mast being a little rough, it is okay to sand it smooth with very fine sandpaper.

You will be able to use a standard mast base on your board. The only change you will have to make is replacing the threaded stud on the bottom of the base with a pin that will fit into the hole on the track. It is easy to see how the clip would hold the pin down. You can see a similar pin type system at Chinook, (the European Pin type base) but I'm not sure if their pin will fit your board. Measure the hole and the depth of the clip, then send those measurements to Chinook to see if the Euro base pin will fit. The measurements will be in Metric so if you can only measure with standard English, use an online converter to get Metric.

If the Euro pin won't fit, then the only other option I know of is to get a Mistral pin. Also European but fits older boards. You should be able to get one at www.bigwinds.com.

The last and final option is to convert your movable mast track to a fixed position track. Get a standard mast base with the threaded stud and also order a Mistral Slider nut from Chinook (in base accessories). To install and use this system, remove your mast track from the board (should be a few screws in the bottom of the track) and remove the moving mast track. Put the slider nut in the track, reassemble the ends of the track minus the internal hardware and reinstall on the board. Won't hurt to add a little silicone sealer in the screw holes.

The bungie is a Euro thing. It connected to the mast base to keep the sail connected to the board in case they came apart on the water. It was a required safety system that was only required in Europe. Nothing you need to be worried about. Remove it if you wish.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Windlover!

I think that maybe the 300 is a different model than what I have.  I ran across these photos:
http://www.quoka.de/wassersport/surfen/surfboard-hifly-300-cat_51_5106_5800_adre

This one does say HiFly 300 on the decal, but I can see two fixed mast holes instead of a track (unless the 300 came in different configurations).

+++++++++

I'd read your post about the tie on boom.  Will save that in my archives for when I get to that point.

+++++++++++

On the mast base, given the photo of mine above and the age of the plastic, do you think that the Euro pin (or whatever) to that is the best way to go?

I am going to have to buy both the mast base and extension (I have neither), so I am wondering if converting to a fixed track with a Chinook system would be a more reliable way to go.

I'd hate to spend the money to go one way, only to have the plastic part break and leave me starting over.

Also what length extension will I need?

++++++++

The battens look more than affordable.  With the +4 inches, how will those be tensioned in the pockets?

Are they the type where the batten extends beyond the pocket, then you have an endcap and a loop of small diameter line that ties back (pulling it into the pocket) for tension?


If so I guess I will need the batten caps too.

++++++++

On the Skeg fin, now that you have seen the photos, your still thinking that is a US Box, A box, or Chinook type of fin?

If so, what length?

I see this in the 300 photo:
http://www.quoka.de/wassersport/surfen/bild-4-surfboard-cat_51_5106_5800_adresul

+++++++

Good to know on the bungie.  I would have never figured out what that was for<g>.

+++++++

What would you suggest as far as trying to clean up the board?  The top is badly oxidized (I think - it may be just grime, but I haven't tried anything on it to see yet).

+++++++

Lastly (for now<g>), I am about 230 lbs and 6.1.  Is this board/rig going to be sufficient for me?

It measured 11 feet long, 26 inches wide and 5 inches tall.  The mast is 16 feet tall.  I don't have the sail size or dimensions handy.

+++++++++++

I want to say THANKS again for all the help ( I see from your multiple posts here that you have been helping folks a LONG time).  It is much appreciated!

:-)

Charles

Answer
Hey Charles,

HiFly 300 was a standard model for many years. The two hole mast base was an early model from the early '80's. Your board is probably from around the late '80's.

On further thought, it might be better to convert to a fixed mast base now rather than later. The plastic does get old and brittle.

On the battens, count the number of batten pockets and order end caps. Two types of caps, smooth/flat for inside the pocket, a bit larger with tabs for the strap holding the batten in for the outer end. There should be a strap of some type to hold the batten in place. If it is just a pocket and the battens are fixed position, then smooth/flat caps for both ends. A pic of the sail (close up of batten pocket) would help me determine just what you need.

Fin box is definitely an A Box type. Look for something at least 14"-16". You might have some luck on cost looking on ebay. Entering each word separately, use windsurf, windsurfer, windsurfing to get maximum results.

As for cleaning the board, try dishsoap and a scotch brite pad. You could also use Soft Scrub if the soap doesn't cut it. If you use Soft Scrub, be sure to rinse well.

The board will have plenty of float for you. It is a beginner/intermediate board designed for all sizes.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover