Rigging Right
Product Description
Using Your Mast
Match your mast with your sail: Before you consider any mast, check the length and stiffness (IMCS/MCS) specifications on your sail. If you go with too flexible a mast then you’ll loose out on top-end speed. Go too stiff and you’ll loose low-end power and the sail will be hard to handle.
The mast protector: This is an insurance policy for your investment. Since overtightening and some boom designs can damage carbon fiber masts, we include a plastic mast protector with every Powerex model. Using a protector at the boom area can increase your mast’s ability to handle point load up to 40 percent.
Attaching your boom: Avoid overtightening your boom. Even though our composite designs are built to last, if you get too amped up and crank on your boom while attaching it, you might crush or damage the mast.
Assembling your two-piece mast: After threading your two-piece Powerex mast into the sleeve of your sail, make sure it is completely engaged at the ferrule connection. Check to see that the two parts are butted together and that none of the ferrule is visible. If it’s not fully engaged the design is compromised, and this could lead to breakage under load while sailing. Double check before and after cranking on the downhaul.
Using mast extensions: If you need a longer mast, you can extend your Powerex mast up to 18 inches (45 cm) from the base. Make sure the extension is inserted at least 6 inches (15 cm) into the base of the mast and the fit is snug—if you don’t do this, the mast may break due to point loading. You can also consider using an Extendo.
Taking Care of Your Mast
Not to nag, but: Always make sure that the two-piece ferrule connection is fully engaged. We know we’re being repetitive, but it’s super important.
Restating the obvious: Avoid impacting your mast with objects that can damage it: cars, racks, rocks, reefs, kite surfers, etc. Think of the mast as an egg, really super strong until it has a crack in it.
Handle with care: Pay special attention in transport and on the beach. Even though we include drag guards with every Powerex mast, avoid dragging it across pavement or other abrasive surfaces. Always protect your mast in a padded bag during transport and storage.
They make sandpaper from sand for a reason: Sand is mighty abrasive. Always make sure that there is no sand or grit in the two-piece ferrule connection or between the mast and base, extensions or booms.
Clean your mast as you would your face: Use only warm water and soap--never use anything with solvents. And skip the Stridex pads.
Don’t get burned: Keep out of the sun—though UV-resistant, masts can get sunburned and weakened from exposure to the sun’s rays. We recommend only sailing in the shade; Holland and England are great spots to sail in this respect.
Match your mast with your sail: Before you consider any mast, check the length and stiffness (IMCS/MCS) specifications on your sail. If you go with too flexible a mast then you’ll loose out on top-end speed. Go too stiff and you’ll loose low-end power and the sail will be hard to handle.
The mast protector: This is an insurance policy for your investment. Since overtightening and some boom designs can damage carbon fiber masts, we include a plastic mast protector with every Powerex model. Using a protector at the boom area can increase your mast’s ability to handle point load up to 40 percent.
Attaching your boom: Avoid overtightening your boom. Even though our composite designs are built to last, if you get too amped up and crank on your boom while attaching it, you might crush or damage the mast.
Assembling your two-piece mast: After threading your two-piece Powerex mast into the sleeve of your sail, make sure it is completely engaged at the ferrule connection. Check to see that the two parts are butted together and that none of the ferrule is visible. If it’s not fully engaged the design is compromised, and this could lead to breakage under load while sailing. Double check before and after cranking on the downhaul.
Using mast extensions: If you need a longer mast, you can extend your Powerex mast up to 18 inches (45 cm) from the base. Make sure the extension is inserted at least 6 inches (15 cm) into the base of the mast and the fit is snug—if you don’t do this, the mast may break due to point loading. You can also consider using an Extendo.
Taking Care of Your Mast
Not to nag, but: Always make sure that the two-piece ferrule connection is fully engaged. We know we’re being repetitive, but it’s super important.
Restating the obvious: Avoid impacting your mast with objects that can damage it: cars, racks, rocks, reefs, kite surfers, etc. Think of the mast as an egg, really super strong until it has a crack in it.
Handle with care: Pay special attention in transport and on the beach. Even though we include drag guards with every Powerex mast, avoid dragging it across pavement or other abrasive surfaces. Always protect your mast in a padded bag during transport and storage.
They make sandpaper from sand for a reason: Sand is mighty abrasive. Always make sure that there is no sand or grit in the two-piece ferrule connection or between the mast and base, extensions or booms.
Clean your mast as you would your face: Use only warm water and soap--never use anything with solvents. And skip the Stridex pads.
Don’t get burned: Keep out of the sun—though UV-resistant, masts can get sunburned and weakened from exposure to the sun’s rays. We recommend only sailing in the shade; Holland and England are great spots to sail in this respect.
