Chinook single bolt mast base ?

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 9:37 am Post subject: Chinook single bolt mast base ?

Has anyone had the Chinook single bolt attachment come loose ?

My Euro pin version seems to have a problem, it has been secure but comes loose, US or Euro may may a difference.

I have the 2 bolt version that I can use but my one board by using a single expands the range in the track.

Question

loonie2 · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 145

If I hear the problem correctly, I've had that happen from time to time. I think it's due, in part to the smallish ridges for tightening it - they don't allow it to be tightened as much as should be. My previous North single bolt never had this problem. I can't see Euro vs US making a difference. Switched over to 2 bolt.

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

I've experienced this problem with the Chinook single bolt universals. The problem is that the ridges that you use to tighten the uni are too small, so you have no leverage to tighten/untighten. I would suggest the Streamlined twist-on universal. It has much bigger flanges to push on, and a lot of Formula racers trust these unis to hold their monster sails.

You can also use a two-bolt base, but you lose range in the mast track. One of my boards now is set up w/ the mast base so far back, a 2-bolt plate would not be an option. FYI, the Streamlined 2-Bolt plate is quite a bit smaller than the Chinook, so you can get about another 1" of range (0.5" fore and aft).

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:53 pm Post subject:

on the Chinook I have used a wooden stake and mallet to tighten, so the problem is not with being tight enough, could it maybe be too tight ?
the problem is:: they, as in 2 different bases and at least 2 different boards, come loose anyway.
Never a problem with a Streamlined single.

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

I don't tighten my single bolts very tight because we often change the foot setting for different conditions while swimming.It is important to leave in the bottom disc that came with it as a kind of bearing. On one of my customs the masttrack area is so domed that you can slip a piece of paper under both sides of the base when it is really tight. That leaves little area for grip even with a two bolt base.

SteveFoy · Joined: 15 Jan 1995 Posts: 27

I second the recommendation for the Streamlined 1-bolt base. Been using them for years, never a problem. I gave Chinook a try once (because it was cheaper) and didn't like it. I sold it and replaced it with another Streamlined base.

ctwindsurf · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 88

I have not had the best experiences with Chinook so changed to Streamlined 2 bolt. The only issue with the Streamlined 2 Bolt is that in sandy venues the button to release the foot on the deck plate can jam with sand. It can be taken apart and cleaned later but if you need to release on the beach for a board change etc... it can leave you in a bind.(no pun). Rinsing with high pressure H2O does not seem to work either. I wish Streamlined would adress this because I like their stuff way better than others.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Quite frankly, I've had trouble with the Steamlined universals, given a problem getting them off. I've had to beat them hard with other instruments to remove them. Maybe I've tighten them too much, but having to beat them with significant leverage to unloosen them was a bit too much at times. And, I should point out that I've used them for many years.

My more recent experience with Chinook single bolt attachments have been great, with no unloosening or any noticeable problems. The twisting/tightening system seems to work very well, and it doesn't come undone in my experience. Honestly, I feel that the tightening mechanism is quite sound and predicable in all ways. On the other hand, Streamline universals don't include a standard buffering plate that integrates with the deck of the board, so that's been a noticeable downside from my perspective.

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

Yes, for some reason the Streamlined Twist-On universal joints don't come w/ a plastic disk, and using the uni without one does make tightening and untightening much harder. Streamlined does make an excellent disk that is clear, has a mast track center post, and has a horizontal line so you can line it up w/ the mast track measurements that are printed on many boards these days. The downside... they cost $10. I usually sell them for half price if somebody buys a uni, as I think they're important. Or you can just use the regular black plastic disk from your old uni.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Hi Kevin,

In your explanation about Streamlined's optional plastic disc, you mentioned that it has a mast track center post. I'm not really clear about this. Is it simply a hole in the center of the disc, or is it a physical feature that has been molded into the design?