I've inherited a "classic" Chippendale FB, in excellent condition ( dry wood, watertight, solid glue) but it came with a IYE mast and a mis-matched Proctor boom ( gold coloured). The mast has 2 sets of spreaders: main shrouds and a rake tensioning system ( I think).
Does anyone have any information about this mast, or advice?

Hi Craig,

Congratulations on your acquisition of a true classic Fireball!

IYE masts were available in the earlier days of Fireball.  I'm not sure how popular they were but I think Pete & Christine Sandy (double national champions) may have used one.  

What sail number (carved into the thwart) is your boat?

Chris Turner
Fireballs 6 & 15111

Hi Chris,

Thank you for the info. The Fireball is 1049, althoough it's not carved in the thwart, but I do have all the original measurement and registration docs.
My concern with the IYE is the tensioning system on the fore side of the mast, as I haven't seen any other FB masts that have this arrangement, let along the strange kicker system ( black pulley, steel wire, single tensioning lever.) Plus, the Procter boom only just fits.

Do I stick with it, and overhaul the IYE or seek out a relatively good condition Procter and replace it?

Bw
Craig ( Leicester)

Hi Craig,

The kicker lever sounds like those we used in the 1970s.  They weren't bad and were much better than mast foot winches (which your boat probably started life with) but nowhere near as good as modern cascade systems.  See 'Faster Fireballs 1979' publication in the Technical section of this site for a photo of a lever in place.

I can't visualise the tensioning system you describe.  Are you able to send me a photo?  If you send me a note via the 'Archivist' tab in the Contact Us section we can go off-line on this via e-mail.

The boom should be a snug fit on the gooseneck (if that's the issue) although it's likely you have the wrong gooseneck for the boom.  Goosenecks can usually be changed.

Chris Turner
Fireballs 6 & 15111