another cry for help

[dro]

rather a strange one this time

I have a bic mast extension with which I am very content
But last week end it seemed rather unhappy .

I am uncertain if all extensions work in same way but the bic has a sleeve which can move up and down the cylinder
It's precise location is determined by a small collar of plastic which fits into a circular groove at various distances along the extension.

Somehow or other I seem to have damaged this collar and a piece has fallen off

The extension still works at moment but presumably it is only a matter of time before this collar completely disintigrates.

Can I get a replacement collar and where?
I hope I do not need to buy the whole thing

Thanks Huw

P.S.
as regards training
I've thought carefuly about it and basically I need to be tought how to windsurf !!

Most pressing aspects : beach starting and the gold at the end of the rainbow *****water starting*****
actually beach starting would be more than enough for now
AND any tips on gybing at more than snail's pace

Looking forward to Saturday


Techno also getting excited

[MartinF]

rather a strange one this time

I have a bic mast extension with which I am very content
But last week end it seemed rather unhappy .

I am uncertain if all extensions work in same way...

No, they don't. They're all different

but the bic has a sleeve which can move up and down the cylinder
It's precise location is determined by a small collar of plastic which fits into a circular groove at various distances along the extension.

Somehow or other I seem to have damaged this collar and a piece has fallen off

The extension still works at moment but presumably it is only a matter of time before this collar completely disintigrates.

Can I get a replacement collar and where?
I hope I do not need to buy the whole thing

Thanks Huw

Huw, chances are slim that you can get a replacement part. I'm not familiar with the type of mast extension BiC do these days, but there are a large number of alternative extensions on the market with may fit/be made to fit your UJ/deck plate/mast extension adaptor. Any chance you could post a couple of close-up photos of your extension & UJ/adaptor?

In the meantime, you *could* do worse than try Windsurfing Worcester. They used to have several entire museums of parts - current and obsolete . Tel: 01905 620044

[kelvin]

P.S.
as regards training
I've thought carefuly about it and basically I need to be tought how to windsurf !!

Most pressing aspects : beach starting and the gold at the end of the rainbow *****water starting*****
actually beach starting would be more than enough for now
AND any tips on gybing at more than snail's pace

Huw lessons def a benifit , but if your concerned over the price of a mast ext , the cost of a lesson will drive you to insanity .
Why not sail in a more busy spot ? you,ll learn quicker by sailing/getting tips off more experienced guys than the solo efforts you been reporting latly .

[dro]

quite right Kelvin but find making plans difficult and tend to decide last moment
hope to spend some time with the Nomads Saturday if meeting still on

As regards the extension
The thought od buying a new one when the only damage is a tiny black ring of plastic sends me crazy.
Originally from Cardiganshire and wasting money is still difficult.

Mind you I still went on Mark Warner trip and as Graham says lots of "money wasting" on it
BUT I did enjoy it and the lager +++++

By the way Martin thanks for reply but if you read report dated ??Jan 05
the dog detroyed my camera during daring cat rescue.So no picture
suppose I could borrow one but not sure how to put it on site.
suppose could ask son who knows everything and nothing
suppose could bring it on Saturday and show everone

Anyway see you all and thanks

[Viv Powell]

I am uncertain if all extensions work in same way but the bic has a sleeve which can move up and down the cylinder
It's precise location is determined by a small collar of plastic which fits into a circular groove at various distances along the extension.

Somehow or other I seem to have damaged this collar and a piece has fallen off

We have a mast extension with a similar arrangement - except that it is an o ring with sleeve. We did get a replacement when we lost the sleeve and/or o ring (can't remember which). We got the replacement from Windtek in Portland.

The thought od buying a new one when the only damage is a tiny black ring of plastic sends me crazy.
Originally from Cardiganshire and wasting money is still difficult.

Ended up being very expensive - Steve dashed in to Windtek early in the day for replacement o ring and sleeve and came out with that plus F2 Pheonix, rig etc etc as a demo - we ended up buying one. May be best to make a trip like this at the end of the day.

[MartinF]

<snip> ... So no picture
suppose I could borrow one but not sure how to put it on site.
suppose could ask son who knows everything and nothing
suppose could bring it on Saturday and show everone

Directions for adding attachments (eg photos) to posts here.

[MartinF]

As regards the extension
The thought od buying a new one when the only damage is a tiny black ring of plastic sends me crazy.

Extensions often available on eBay

[dro]

where are you when I really need you ?
Enjoying yourself in U.S.A. Hmmmm...

Might keep a welsh cake for you cos of lots of advice on forum

Think of me splashing around in shallows trying to beach start while you are swanning around in USA

Remember you have to earn the welsh cake

have a nice time
Huw

P.S.
I do feel sympathy cos once forced to go to Leicester
just be brave

[Graham_U]

I suspect I have the same extn. Huw. It has a plastic cir-clip, that fits into the grove on the extn, and then a shaped collar that fits over the cir-clip and fits into the base of the mast.

The collar on mine lost a V-shaped bit from the end that fits into the mast about a year a go. No idea exactly when or how, just noticed it that way a bout a year ago. Still working fine and no more damage.

The plastic cir-clip looks very fragile, but also seems very similar to metal clips on other makes of extn. So I'm sure it must be possible to get something that will work relatively cheaply if you avoid buying a new rig at the the same time.

Like others have said, its fairly easy to get cheap extns on e-bay, I got one that was very knackered for 99p., and I have used it.