Samba base answer revisited

Question
Hi,

I came across your answer to Cindy's question with her 20 yr old Bic Samba mast base breaking. That exact same situation happened to me last week.

I am unsure of your answer so I am asking some further questions.
Are you saying to buy a Chinook base and then take out whatever pin is in it and replace with the pin from the old mast base? The hourglass portion of the mast holder fits into a hole in a base on the board and clips in. Do the new ones do that?

I am not sure what the metal pins are that come out of the base near the top.  Mine base none.

My base has a nylon cord attached to pulleys' that tie the sail to the base. I do not see those on the link you provided. What am I missing?

I guess the bottom line question is as follows: The metal pin coming out of the products today may not fit into the clip on a 20 yr old board and that is why you are saying that my old pin should be removed and placed on the new base(that I assume twists out?

Than you in advance for your anwser.

Answer
Hey Chuck,

The older mast bases like yours were designed for use with only one or two sails so there was no need for a mast extension. The downhaul rope and pulleys were built into the base.

New bases all have a two pin (or similar) system for attaching a mast extension onto the base. There is an adjustable ring on the extension to accomodate a variety of sail sizes. The downhaul rope and pulleys are now on the extension and the base only serves as a connection between the board and the extension.

There are a few aftermarket pins that may or may not fit an older board. Without specific measurements, it is hard to determine what might work. This is why using your old pin and attaching it to a new base will ensure that your connection to the board is correct.

The pin should unscrew from the hourglass. You may need to spray some liquid wrench or similar penetrating oil before you can break your old pin loose. You can grip the hourglass at the wide point with a strap wrench and use either a vise or vice grips on the pin. Be sure to put some cloth, wood, rubber, etc. around the pin to prevent damage from the vise or vise grips. If you do cause some small indents, file off any rough spots.

If you are able to remove the pin and ready to attach it to a new base, be sure to apply some Blue Locktight to the threads, NOT Red Locktight. Red is almost permanent, Blue is removable but won't allow the pin to unscrew with normal use.

If your base has only broken at the hourglass, you can just replace the hourglass and install your pin and upper base part onto the new hourglass. If you have broken any of the plastic parts of the base, a new base and an extension is what you will need.

If you are unsure of anything I've talked about, send another question and attach a good photo of your base. If I can see all the parts, broken and unbroken, I should be able to determine what you need to get you back on the water.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover