VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

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.

measure twice cut once

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 ;)