Hi Guys,
Busted the rubber tendon in my mast base and looking just to replace it. Is online the best place or would local shops stock them? Im in Melbourne so SHQ I guess would be the closest. Other than it being Neil Pryde im not sure exactly what Im looking for.
Any of the windsurf shops in Melbourne should be able to help. I got some from SHQ a few years ago. Talk nicely to them and you might get the staff to fit them for you. It's not complex, but you need two allen keys that are the same size plus a hammer to provide some persuasion usually.
Would also recommend replacing the string with something a bit stronger. Each time I've snapped a tendon I've also snapped the string, and wound up swimming.
Apparently 400lb plastic coated stainless fishing trace works well (according to 555 on here).
It is same as Arrows and Billows.
Most tendons have the holes 90deg opposed - you need the one that has the holes inline which is much less common but not impossible to find.
When I needed one it was only Windsurfing Perth who had some over here. If you can't find one at your local, the dude who sells Billows bases on eBay has them - he is on here but I forget the username...?
If changing out out yourself, Flickyspinny is right on the money - quality allen keys that fit, a hammer to lightly tap the pin thru, and a vice is mega helpful.
It may have thread locker on it so a soldering iron on the bolt to get it up to about 120deg ish first is a big help.
Remember to "Lock-tight" the nut after.
IMO, when I break a tendon I replace the tendon plus buy a new mast foot. The old one becomes a backup. I generally buy a new tendon every 12 months & replace the entire foot every 2 years. I find the foot is pretty clapped out after 2 seasons (as is the one in the photo). It is one of the most inexpensive items in wndsurfing but when it fails it could cost you your board, rig or both.
Just a suggestion though.
AB....
Ps. Love the rust on the NP stainless bolts - quality. Streamlined or Chinook for me.
