UJ

Question
Hi there, I've been wind surfing few a few months now and have an old mistral one design board.  I learnt how to beach start last weekend but got it wrong and broke my UJ.  I'vr tried looking everywhere but cannot seem to find one.  Do you know of any places that still sell them?

The joint has a small metal prong at the bottom which clips onto the mast track and a large oval topped metal piece above which clicks into the mast extension.

Thanks

Steven

Answer
Hi Steven,

Welcome the greatest sport on the planet. You have a great board for learning. It will also serve you well for many years.

I'm getting the impression that your universal broke (the rubber hourglass). Being rubber, they tend to get old and fail. A new one should last another 20 years. They can be found fairly easily. If it was one of the parts that connect to the hourglass, then you may have some trouble locating what you need.

If it is just the hourglass, then go to www.windsurfinghatteras.com, windsurfing, parts, Mistral. Scroll down the list to page 4 (SKU # 7102952701) if you need the nylon safety strap, page 5 (SKU # 808770) if you can use your old one.

The top piece that goes to the mast base should have a bolt that holds it to the universal. Use a strap wrench on the universal and a socket on the bolt. If it is stuck bad, use a pair of channel locks on the universal, gripping it at the wide spot just below the mast base. There is a metal washer with a threaded insert welded to it. You can grip the washer through the rubber.

The pin that sticks out the bottom and goes to the board will come out just like a bolt. Try to find a small wrench that will fit into the slot on the flat parts. If you don't have something, try putting it in a vise. Be sure to put a couple strips of wood or metal to protect the pin. Try not to damage the surface of the pin. Then grab the hourglass end the same as you did the other part and unscrew it.

To put the new parts on the new hourglass, get some Blue Locktight. (Blue can be removed, Red is almost permanent). Just put the parts back on the way they came off. Use just a strap wrench to tighten things snug. With the Blue locktight, they will not come loose.

If you need more than just the hourglass, contact Windsurfing Hatteras directly. They seem to have the most inventory of older Mistral parts.

There is one other option to consider. Does your mast track have two holes? One that the part you have goes into and another just behind it that is threaded? If so, you can buy a whole new mast base and attach it in that spot. The main thing would be to find a base that will fit into your mast. Check out the Chinook parts at the website I directed you to if that is the way you want to go. If you have ?'s regarding match up, give them a call and they will know what will work for you.

If you need other parts and WH can't help, I have some other resources for old parts.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover