The Deviator

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I have just ordered a  new Tabou Rocket  145 LTD and  I don't want to take any chances of breaking the nose, because it is unquestionable that with these superlight boards, there is always a trade off between performance and a certain fragility. So I am planning to buy The Deviator.

I'd like to know if The Deviator can be safely used with a 1  bolt mast bases instead of 2 bolts bases . I don't sail in high winds, I don't race  and my speed is not likely to submit the  board to a lot of abuse and/or stress on the mast track  whenever I fall.  Besides, I have already been using  a 1 bolt mast base for a few years now and I never had any problems. I can't see how The Deviator could in any way, shape or manner make  a 1  bolt base any less solid or prone to be yanked off the track under normal use.
What are your thoughts on this ? 1 bolt base or 2 bolt base?

Thank you

Franco

ANSWER: Hey Franco,

Two bolt mast bases are highly recommended by the makers of the Deviator. It has nothing to do with how you sail or the conditions you sail in. When your rig goes down and it contacts the Deviator, there are large forces pulling on the mast base and mast track. All the weight of the rig plus wind force are levering against the base and mast track. If there is any weakness in the mast track, a one bolt base could pull the track out causing very costly repairs. With a two bolt mast base, the weight is distributed over more of the track causing less stress to the mast track.

If you are planning to buy a Deviator, I would highly suggest that you go with their recommendation of using a two bolt mast base.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

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

QUESTION: Hi, Windlover!

Thank you for your advice. It makes sense, because I now realize that The Deviator acts as a fulcrum when the mast falls and the physics of the lever come into play.
With a two bolts, however,  I am not out of the thicket, because I'd  lose 4" of the total length of the mast track, which means my aft-forward adjustments of the mast become substantially limited. Actually, I'd probably lose half of the mast track length ! Correct me if I am wrong. Perhaps a nose protector would still be my best bet. Again, if you have any suggestions or comments, they will be appreciated.

Thanks

Franco

Answer
Hey Franco,

If you look closely at how the Deviator mounts, you will see that you will only lose about an inch or so of mast track by going to a two bolt mast base. The difference in distance from a single bolt mast base to the forward bolt on a two bolt base is all you will lose. The mast base is what holds the Deviator in place so you are still able to move your mast base to the most forward position that a two bolt base will allow. Same with the aft position. Total loss of mast track length is about 2" and should not be noticeable.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover