Replacing Mast Track on Sailboard (West German)

I have TWO mid 1980's Sailboards (made in West Germany). I would like to remove the mast track from one and put it on the other board. These tracks have a circular rope that moves the mast base receptacle up and back when a friction release mechanism is pressed with one's foot at the rear of the track. The track is largely secured by screws along its length. However, the front of mast track is secured by ????. The rope mechanism turns around a circular pulley arrangement (no leverage) which "may" hide a screw that secures it to the board (inside a recessed area for the track). I have tried to pry this apart (to no avail)--I am afraid to apply too much force without a diagram or other knowledge to guide me. On the under side of the board (directly under the front of the mast track) I find a small plug which suggests that the front of mast track could be secured from below--unlike the rest of the mast track which is secured by brass screws from above.

Does anyone have any insight into how this could be removed without breaking it?

I will look for a picture to post. I do not remember seeing this style mast track on any other brand of windsurfer--except my two West German "Sailboard" antiques. Boards are in Maine--I hope I took a picture that I can post.

Thanks in Advance,
Lyle Allen, Durham NC USA

Hello, Lyle,

I'd suggest that you will have to sacrifice one of the boards to find out how the mast track is inserted and this will also allow you to get the old mast track out. The screws that you talk about are probably secured to some sort of support, which is secured/fibreglassed into the board. As you know, screws into plastic or fibreglass would not be able to withstand sailing forces without support.

For insertion of the new mast track, you might have a look here: boardlady.com/repairmenu.htm and read up under "Soft Decks" and "Powerbox Replacement"

As the board is in Maine, you might also post your query here: www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=7f9127fc640424fb452821cbef8870e1

Hope this helps.