Mast foolery

[grantmac017]

I've been given a Gaastra sail which is supposed to rig on a 430 stiff stop (2007 Manic 5.7 444cm luff)
Thing is I've only got CC masts and the shortest (so far) is a 460.
In theory if I put on a short adjustable head and ran zero extension would that bring the stiffer section of mast into play? Would the main issue be batten rotation?

Thanks,
Grant

[U2U2U2]

Does the Manic currently have the adjustable head?
If , yes, no reason to not try it. The way it performs on the water could be different than how it looks just rigged.

The Manics of that era were quite good, not power wave sails however, the opposite. They rigged fairly flat. I feel they were not rangy.
This era were very sensitive to mast stiffness, they worked ok on a Ezzy or powerex, but really came to life with a Gaastra mast, which was unbelievable hard to find.

The 460 will undoubtedly lose some performance. If it's a SDM, it could very well suit, a Powerex SDM worked ok, but in the correct length. This was the Utah made versions.

[U2U2U2]

The current 460, could be improved with a 430 bottom combo, depending on what that mast is in particular.

[grantmac017]

It's a Powerex SDM. I'd be doing an alteration to add the (perhaps fixed) extended top.

[U2U2U2]

The mast I feel aside from being a 460, is a good option or possibility then, my feeling is if it's not exactly correct a SDM is more fore giving.

Ideal would be a NoLimitz combo to make a stiff top, a NAISH Firestick or Maui Sails..both older. Gaastra tops.

I don't remember the top head on the Manic for alteration , needs to be sturdy.
If no sail repairs are near, a saddle repair would have a heavy duty machine.

[swchandler]

U2 was on the right track suggesting a NoLimitz combo. That way you can craft a soft bottom section and a stiff top by buying only the exact components you need. NoLimitz is fairly unique in that respect, because you don't need to buy the complete standard masts (400, 430, etc.) to craft what you need. Ezzy also offers the same option, because NoLimitz makes Ezzy masts, but the bend curves do vary a bit from NoLimitz's specs.

The good thing is that at a later date you can use the components you buy now to create a more classic constant curve mast. Also, if you break a section, you can buy and replace that section only.

I would suggest calling NoLimitz to learn more about mixing and matching. They can get you in touch with Kevin McGillivray, who is sponsored by both Gaastra and NoLimitz, and he's well versed in crafting different mast components to produce the right kind of result.

[grantmac017]

Not looking to buy anything to make this work since I'm sticking to CC stuff.

This afternoon I tried rigging on the 460 without modifying the head and no reasonable amount of down haul would allow for batten rotation. Not sure if extending the head will change the geometry enough to push the lower mast forward or if that mast is simply wrong.

if I do modify the head it will be hand stitched using dyneema thread and I guarantee will be at least as strong as the original.

[swchandler]

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

[grantmac017]

There is also a saying about blood from a stone. I'm not riding exclusively +10 year old mismatched gear by choice.

[outcast]

Gmac:
We feel your pain.
if you lived on Cape Cod, I would gladly provide a 430 for you

Since you are kinda stuck, and this has been covered elsewhere, I would carefully take 10-12 cm off of the bottom. Make sure your extension can get in there deep, and that there's not a band of reinforcement that you will loose...but it should be ok

Extending the head will just keep you super stiff

Mask the cut area with tape to avoid splintering, and a tile saw works best.

A 430 is a go to size though