Forums > Stand Up Paddle Foiling

How to shorten mast length?:-)

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Created by Johndesu > 9 months ago, 24 Nov 2020
Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
24 Nov 2020 11:07AM
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Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with a short foil mast, is it possible to shorten a foil mast (or get a shorter mast), I surf over shallow reef / rocks etc. and need a bit more wiggle room around 20"/ 50cm would be nice maybe (I already have 60cm ?:-)

Piros
QLD, 6879 posts
24 Nov 2020 10:34AM
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Drop saw and re-tap holes , easy peasy. Assuming it's an Ali mast ,Naish , Axis , NP ect . Just make sure you cut the end without any rebates or checkouts.

scotty100
QLD, 233 posts
24 Nov 2020 11:05AM
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Just let me have a go, I shorten heaps when I bend them hahaha

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
24 Nov 2020 12:10PM
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Select to expand quote
Piros said..
Drop saw and re-tap holes , easy peasy. Assuming it's an Ali mast ,Naish , Axis , NP ect . Just make sure you cut the end without any rebates or checkouts.


Ok what about a go foil mast, is it possible maybe?:-)

Scotty Mac
SA, 2048 posts
24 Nov 2020 11:59AM
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The original 24.5 inch Go foil mast is about as short as you want to go IMO. Plenty of them cheap S/H around.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
24 Nov 2020 1:19PM
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Scotty Mac said..
The original 24.5 inch Go foil mast is about as short as you want to go IMO. Plenty of them cheap S/H around.


Yes Scotty that is the one I now have but it is still too long (and even longer with the track plate adaptor:-)

Hdip
384 posts
24 Nov 2020 11:08AM
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A guy out here rides a 20 inch AXIS mast. I think it's about that length anyway. He's very good on it, even pumps it decently. It does look silly to me, but he loves it. His 910 front wing is clear of scratches. My front wings have scratches all over them haha.

LeeD
3939 posts
24 Nov 2020 11:21AM
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Cut and re weld the aluminum.
50cm is fine unless it's deep water ocean swells.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
24 Nov 2020 2:56PM
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Oh really that sounds good but do you thing the reweld would be accurate / spot on as before?:-)

PrfctChaos
WA, 82 posts
24 Nov 2020 12:41PM
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You guys out here welding carbon masts? Truly living in the future now.

Scotty Mac
SA, 2048 posts
24 Nov 2020 10:36PM
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Ride high! I think if your grounding on that mast i am not sure anything shorter be too much fun!

LeeD
3939 posts
25 Nov 2020 12:57AM
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Carbon mast is easier.
Cut, sleeve, reglass. Very little added weight.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
25 Nov 2020 10:53AM
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LeeD said..
Cut and re weld the aluminum.
50cm is fine unless it's deep water ocean swells.

So LeeD do you know what would be the best place to cut or deweld the mast and then reweld it ?:-)

container
31 posts
27 Nov 2020 12:50AM
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For a composite mast right in the middle is best. I did this to one of mine back in the day, 900mm was too big for learning so chopped 200mm out of the middle. Once you have ground a healthy rebate and laminate with as close to the original layup (or just an even mix of carbon unis and biax) you will never know it was chopped.

LeeD
3939 posts
28 Nov 2020 3:43AM
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Sorry, I live in California and would use the local metal workshop. Most metal suppliers do basic welding for not much cost.
Amy machine shop, and most auto and boat repair shops.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
28 Nov 2020 11:27AM
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container said..
For a composite mast right in the middle is best. I did this to one of mine back in the day, 900mm was too big for learning so chopped 200mm out of the middle. Once you have ground a healthy rebate and laminate with as close to the original layup (or just an even mix of carbon unis and biax) you will never know it was chopped.


Sounds good but a bit difficult/tricky for me, container do you think you could give me more instructional info please ?:-)

LeeD
3939 posts
28 Nov 2020 9:39AM
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Cut it, add wood stringer, pour 2 part foam to seal, stick it together, glass wrap.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
28 Nov 2020 1:39PM
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LeeD said..
Cut it, add wood stringer, pour 2 part foam to seal, stick it together, glass wrap.


Yes I understand but what is the best "2 part form seal" / Araldite etc?:-)

LeeD
3939 posts
28 Nov 2020 10:52AM
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2 part polyurethane foam, the brown stuff, expands like Gorilla Glue..which is stronger and will work fine.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
28 Nov 2020 2:57PM
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LeeD said..
2 part polyurethane foam, the brown stuff, expands like Gorilla Glue..which is stronger and will work fine.


Ok thanks I will see if I can get hear:-)

tinka
QLD, 76 posts
28 Nov 2020 8:47PM
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Johndesu said..
Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with a short foil mast, is it possible to shorten a foil mast (or get a shorter mast), I surf over shallow reef / rocks etc. and need a bit more wiggle room around 20"/ 50cm would be nice maybe (I already have 60cm ?:-)

I would just sell it and get another foil set up.Its always going to be a weak spot and eventually cause you a headache,fusing it back together ,and another headache when it fails.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
29 Nov 2020 10:15AM
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tinka said..

Johndesu said..
Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with a short foil mast, is it possible to shorten a foil mast (or get a shorter mast), I surf over shallow reef / rocks etc. and need a bit more wiggle room around 20"/ 50cm would be nice maybe (I already have 60cm ?:-)


I would just sell it and get another foil set up.Its always going to be a weak spot and eventually cause you a headache,fusing it back together ,and another headache when it fails.


Ken I was thinking of actually cutting the Go Foil mast to about 40cm (total length) from the tuttel end
and permanently attaching it to a carbon track mount (which I have lying around), I just need to figure the best method of attachment / bonding / glueing etc. so it will be super secure & tight fit:-)

LeeD
3939 posts
29 Nov 2020 7:26AM
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I suspect 40 cm to be on the "too short" side.
Strength of the tail of the board should be the first concern
Flex in the foil unit gives it durability.

Johndesu
NSW, 549 posts
30 Nov 2020 1:22PM
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LeeD said..
I suspect 40 cm to be on the "too short" side.
Strength of the tail of the board should be the first concern
Flex in the foil unit gives it durability.


I have recently started buying Armstrong foil stuff (I just need to buy their 45cm Mast) so I have decided to sell all my Go Foil gear :-)



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"How to shorten mast length?:-)" started by Johndesu