Mast massacre!!

[Mike D]

I need to turn my 400 RDM into a 370.....I figure a nice clean cut with a chop saw should do the trick.

Yes I know it will alter the IMCF, and pretty much make the thing worthless, but aside from these minor drawbacks does anyone have any comments or suggestions.

[downwind dave]

measure twice cut once

for carbon fiber, put a wrap of tape around the mast then cut thru it.. keeps the splintering under control.

[KUS]

don't do it extending the turban with another strap has the same effect as cutting the mast, probably a better result. Or: get a small sail that takes a 400 (some rig down to a 3.3) or buy a 370, check RainX's new rig, nice

[Geoffy]

If you're cutting - use a diamond blade with water (tile saws work best), high speed on the blade, moderate feed, one pass. Regular carbide toothed blade will delaminate composite internally and will burn epoxy - water will help save your lungs and eyes - the smoke is toxic! Protect your lungs and eyes with a mask and goggles in any case - experience talking!!! Sand inside and outside edges after cutting with 400 wet paper, a quick pass will do it.
Geoff (Profile Composites - we cut hunderds of these things every day)

[Starboard Steve]

I say go for it. I cut down a mast once and sailed it for at least 5 years. It ended up breaking at the other end before I retired it.

[Mike D]

Thanks for all the advice: 3 cuts to 1 no cut, however I think Kus may have talked some sense into me....

Whats the easiest way to extend the turban length? Do I need to sew another strap onto the existing, or is there another way?

It's a Revo 3.8, if anyone has specific recommendations please let me know.

[KUS]

Sent you a PM, water or tape knot, MEC or Bosun's will have strap material
http://ozultimate.com/canyoning/knots/tape_knot/

A Revo 3.8 I just looked up the specs, it's got a luff of about 383, only 17cm of mast sticking out, that's nothing It should rig just fine dandy on a 400

[downwind dave]

the duncan cobbler sewed a new strap on my 4.2, did a very nice job. I already had the webbing.

[Mike D]

Yeah Kus you are right according to the specs it should rig on a 400, but it just doesn't.

I think the previous owner must have put a smaller strap on it, and rigged it with a 370, so as not to have the mast poking out.

My guess is there is a slight performance advantage to this.

Thanks downwind dave, if I cant get it to work with Kus's suggestions, I'll check out the Duncan cobbler.

thanks again guys for your help.

[Russian Dood]

I rig my ezzy 4.0 on 370 instead of 400. Makes it a feel little softer. I think it's a matter of personal preferences when it gets down to using shorter (softer) mast with long extension vs longer mast sticking out of the sleeve. My mantra - no mast must be shown ;)