I have a very old longboard ... homemade, but I'm told very much in the style of the Pan Am boards. The board itself is 13' (3.96M), and is about 30-31" (±.75M) wide just in front of the most forward mast setting. This board tapers from that point to a 10" (.254M) squared off tail. This board has a retractable centerboard, and I usually sail with it down (lighter winds as I am still getting used to the board, and reintroducing myselt to windsurfing). I replaced the skeg a couple years ago with a true ames pointer fin (which is certainly deeper than the original), and the salesperson at isthmus sailboards said the fin would most likely improve board performance. I can do slow jybes with this board, and also try to tack this board, but fing in tacking that this board just does not want to point up into the wind. I manage to get around the sail sometimes and just really tip the mast forward, and finally manage to get the boards nose to pass through the wind. Any ideas of things to try ... I am really wanting to experience this board, but am not comfortable when I cannot get the simple things under control such as tacking. This board in medium wind seems to really move out (seems faster in similar winds than my old original windsurfer), and I really want to find a way to feel comfortable on this board.

Bruce

Mast track too far in front?

mast track is adjustable, and I've mostly sailed it with the mid rail selected ... I didn't really think about moving the mast fore or aft. I am just visualizing the board, and thinking that the mast track is oriented more toward the nose of the board (probably because the board taper is so severe to the aft width of 10"). Are you thinking move the mast aft on the track, or towards the nose? Or just try both and see how they both work out (now there's a novel idea). Thanks for the idea ... adjustability, these longboards today, my old windsurfer has none of that! LOL

Move it far back and try. I am not suggesting you should always do so, but just to get a feel of what problem might be, etc. I always try extremes (boom highest and lowest, board in and out, small-big skeg) to find the right recipe.

Anywhow, mast far back in 10+ knots will make a diff for tacking and give clues. Then we'll see.

I agree. Move that mast base back, centerboard down. Could also tack poorly if the sail is higher aspect ratio.

I agree with the guy who agrees with me

If your clew length is short for the lenght of the board (which is long I understand), then the center of effort is close to the mast and not at the back.

Anyhow, try the extreme far back on the track, see what happens. Make sure enough wind to carry the momentum. Sink the leeward rail with the toes as you turn.

'luck.