Mistral windsurfer and a new mast

Question
Hi - I've been learning to windsurf on an old Mistral board.  I actually have two boards and several sails but only one usable mast.  I'd like to buy another mast so that my friends and husband can sail while I sail.  I thought I might just by a mast that is an upgrade for what I have and let friends and husband use my current mast.  I'm new to all this componentry... will any mast work for my older universal joint and extensions?

thanks!

Answer
Hey Eliz,

Great to hear that you want to help others get on the water. It also gives you someone to sail with.

Any standard style mast will work for your u-joint and extensions. There are a few things to consider when buying a mast for multiple sails.

First, there are only two diameters of mast, Standard and Skinny. Do not buy a 'skinny' mast. They have a smaller diameter and require a smaller diameter extension. Standard is the norm and more readily available.

Next, check the stiffness rating (MCS) on the sails that you will be using the most based on your sailing history and the average winds you sail in. Look for a mast with a rating that is similar to the average of your sails. (example; three sails with MCS #'s 25, 27, 25 - a 25 would be the prefered mast). Most sails use a constant curve mast but some use a flex top mast. Check to see if your sails are constant curve (which they likely are) and get a constant curve mast.

For you to upgrade to a newer mast, I would suggest that you look for a carbon mast. They will be much lighter than epoxy or aluminum masts. With less weight, it makes sail handling a bit easier and less work for you. You don't really need a 100% carbon as they are quite expensive. Something with 30-60% carbon will still be light weight and more affordable.

If you are looking for a new mast, your local shop or online shops will have a variety to choose from. Shop around for a price you like as the quality of workmanship is similar in most brands. The big name brands will be more expensive than off brands but for most of us, the off brands work just as well.

If you are looking to buy a used mast, you need to inspect it before buying. Look for heavy wear marks and small cracks at the boom connection. Some people clamp their booms too tight which can cause small cracks which lead to failure. Check the base of the mast for small cracks also. If a person uses a very short extension or just a standard base, small cracks can occur due to not enough base or extension. There are lots of sources for used masts, your local shop, craigslist, ebay, and some shops have used gear. One shop out hear in the Gorge is Windance and they have a rating system, A, B, C, D, E. They have a tendancy to rate about a half point low but their system is trustworthy. I've had very satisfactory dealings with them on used gear.

Lastly, if you buy a carbon mast, I suggest getting a mast protector. Many will say they are not necessary but I'm from the old school when all carbon mast makers required a mast protector for warranty reasons. Newer masts are built with a stronger area at the boom connection and don't require a protector. But, if buying used, you can still get the small cracking issues that you can't really see. For ease of mind and to extend the life of a mast, a $10-15 mast protector is worth the expense.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover