Mast Position - Armstrong 1850 on Quatro 5’8’’ Wing Drifter Pro

[MasFoil]

G'day all,

Any recommendations on mast placement for an Armstrong HS1850 on the Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 5'8''? I'm 6 foot, 205lbs (93kg). Currently setting up in middle of the track with +1 shim on the 232 tail wing. I can get on foil only with a decent gust of wind over 15mph (13knots) with a 6m Duotone Unit. Pumping doesn't work under 15mph.

Gracias!
MF

[Pasquales]

We are also about the same height/weight.  I have the 5'6" version and exact foil set up. Personally I like the mast 3/4 of the way back in the tracks.  This helps on two fronts 1) the center of lift is closer to the mid point between the strap inserts, 2) nearly equal back foot pressure can be used to maintain flight.  I tried having the foil slammed forward, but didn't like the heavy front footing required to keep the board from breaching.  I've always used the zero shim when winging.  Winging in winds below 13 knots can be hit or miss.  It's certainly doable but other factors come into play, especially technique.  I find best results occur when a gust gets the board moving first about 5 mph.  When this condition is met and sufficient pressure is in the wing, it is then and only then that I pumping both wing and board.  Without a doubt, winging in 15+ mph wind is significantly easier but rare at my local spot.

[MasFoil]

Reporting back! Thanks for the feedback!

I've ended up with mast forward (an inch shy of full forward) and the +1 shim. That's helped a lot with lift and today was able to fly in sub 15mph winds. However, my front foot is now too far forward from the strap inserts. Next run I'm moving the mast 1 inch back (2 inches from front of the track) and changing to the 0 shim.

Anyone here tried the -2 shim? How much is the drop in speed from using this shim?

[Dwight (DW)]

300 tail

[WingNut Ohana]

Reporting back! Thanks for the feedback!

I've ended up with mast forward (an inch shy of full forward) and the +1 shim. That's helped a lot with lift and today was able to fly in sub 15mph winds. However, my front foot is now too far forward from the strap inserts. Next run I'm moving the mast 1 inch back (2 inches from front of the track) and changing to the 0 shim.

Anyone here tried the -2 shim? How much is the drop in speed from using this shim?

Try to make more subtle changes. Move the mast 1/4 of an inch at a time at most. Try with the +1 if that’s what you been riding. Next time, leave the mast where it is, then change to 0 shim. Too much changes gives readings all over the place and it’s hard to figure out what change did what.