fanatic windsurfer set up

Question
I am considering buying a used fanatic windsurfer.  After reading other questions and answers here, it's possible I should not make the purchase.  I am not sure of the age of the board.  (I need to ask the owners that question) It's been awhile since I have been windsurfing - it was in '94 when I worked at a summer camp!  When I went to look at the board, I couldn't figure out how to attach the mast/boom to the board.  I fit the swivel joint into the board, but the mast/boom doesn't appear to have a way to connect to this piece.  I wasn't sure it it was just by using a line, or if there is a part missing.  Do you have any idea based on my limited info.? Thanks for taking the time to answer this question.  

Answer
Hey Beth,

The swivel joint you talk of is called the mast base. If you are able to connect the mast base to the board, that is a good thing. It is the most vital part to any older board set up as some older boards are manufacturer specific with that connection.

It sounds like the top part of that piece is needing an extension. Look at the part and see if there are two metal buttons that press in. If so, this part is the actual mast base and will fit into an extension. Then, the extension will fit into the bottom of the mast. Extensions are adjustable for different sail sizes. The extension will have a rope that will loop through the lower grommet of the sail. This is called the downhaul. It puts tension on the luff of the sail which will curve the mast and create the shape of the sail.

Go here to see the Chinook brand of mast bases and extensions,
www.chinooksailing.com

Try these places for new extensions,
windance.com
bigwinds.com
oceanairsports.com
the-house.com

You can also find used ones via ebay and craigslist. If you have a local shop nearby, you can take your base in and they can set you up with an extension. When you start shopping for an extension, I'm almost positive that you will need a 'standard' size extension, NOT a skinny or RDM (reduced diameter). As for length, at a minimum, you will probably need at least a medium length, maybe a long depending upon how many sails you think you will be using over a season.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover