mast slipping

Question
Hello!
I am taking up the sport again after 25 years of being away. Just bought a used Mistral board and when I tried to secure the mast to the board, I can not get it to lock in. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I insert the  mast end, turn it until it clicks, but any pulling of the boom results in the mast coming out of the hole. I assume there is a locking mechanism either on the mast, or on the board near the hole, but I have not been able to figure it out. Any ideas? I would sure love to get out before the ice forms! Many thanks! Pete

Answer
Since old Mistral's have proprietary hardware it is difficult for me to tell you what is wrong. I will assume the locking mechanism is a piece that slides inside the boards mastrack as some old Mistrals do.  You will need to disassemble the boards mastrack and replace the sliding female piece that the mast foot fits into.  As I remember these had a tendency to wear out.  You might be able to get a replacement from Mistral or the-house.com under their wind shop.  Generally speaking I would tell you to stay away from anything that is more than 5 years old.  The old stuff just isn't worth anything and you can get some pretty good stuff that is only a couple of years old.  Sorry I can't be of more help.