The Deviator

ittiandro · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 294

Hi!

I have just bought a brand new Tabou Rocket 145 LTD and I don't want to take any chances of breaking the nose, because it is unquestionable that with these superlight boards, there is always a trade off between performance and a certain fragility. So I am planning to buy The Deviator. .

I'd like to know if The Deviator can be safely used with one bolt mast bases instead of 2 bolts. I don't sail in high winds, I don't race and my speed is not likely to submit the board to a lot of abuse and/or stress on the mast track whenever I fall. Besides, I have already been using a 1 bolt mast base and I never had any problems. I can't see how The Deviator could in any shape and manner make a 1bolt base any less solid
Can somebody comment on this ?

Thank you

Franco

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

Two words: Nose Pad. http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=17&idproduct=106

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

If you tack much or use the front of the track to improve the range in light air you will soon toss your deviator.

pacspeed · Joined: 14 Sep 2000 Posts: 627

IIRC the bolt is much stronger than the mast box. Most of the damage Ive seen from tomahawking with a deviator on is torn out mast tracks. The tensile strength of the 8mm hardware is pretty high.

sergem · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 398

Broke carbon extension in half once (ouch coiling razors), while I was still using deviators.

Nose pads, getting into front strap before hooking in, and never sheeting out would all be better options IMO.

human_catapult · Joined: 20 Nov 2007 Posts: 374

Deviat'er?

I hardly know 'er!

schweitzer · Joined: 18 Jul 2000 Posts: 45

I Stopped using the deviator.
Not beause that it did not work
It did!
As my sailing improved, the damage
moved closer and closer to the tip.
this is because I moved the boom further and further up the mast.
Sailing became more effecient and I did not need as big a board.
but the real reason for abandoning it was "hassle".
It was in the way on the rooftop rack.
But more important - it covered the vent!
sunshine + 2000 ft elevation changes mean it must come out.
'Took the deviator off to do this and It just never went back.
Do use the deviator if it works for you.
Do not let it stop you from venting.
Try not to vent on those guys who want to know
why do you use that goofy thing.
sail more, vent less!

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

Your best bet would be to ask the shop that you plan to buy the Deviator from if it will work with a one-bolt base if that is the way you want to go. I, like others, think there are better options then a Deviator because the trade off from damage to the nose vs. damage to the mastbox or mastbase.

Coachg

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Ever since a one-bolt base ripped right out of a new board without a Deviator in a moderate wipeout, I don't use single-bolts, period ... let alone with a fulcrum three inches away. Given the leverage of a mast hitting a Deviator dead center, the lifting force on the deck box has to reach thousands of pounds in a good slam.

Give me two bolts and a nose pad. After all, the objective is to prevent, not just relocate, the damage. I whack the crap out of my board noses several times a day, and have never damaged any of them since I began padding the nose (and the mast) >15 years ago.

Mike \m/

mat-ty · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 7850

make sure if you use deviator ( i would get nose guard ) were the roller contacts the mast there is no padding or fabric . If you do not have clean contact, the roller can get hung up , and rip out mast base.