Everything about baseplates

The most noticeable difference between the baseplates is definitely with the pin or upper part of the baseplate - mounting system to the extension or the base. We suggest you read the blog about the extensions here to find out what the differences are.

Now that we have figured out what kind of mounting system we need for the baseplate to be compatible with our extensions, let's focus on the central part of the baseplate, which causes most headaches.

 

There are three main types of baseplates we use for windsurfing. The baseplate is fixed to the board and allows the entire rig (mast, sail and boom) to move in a multidirectional manner, in the event that the sail falls out of our hands and in the case of various manoeuvres. Which type of baseplate you choose depends on the type of windsurfing and the style of riding - such as racing, freeriding, wave riding, etc.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BASEPLATE AND EXTENSION MOUNTING SYSTEM

The most important is that baseplate and extension are compatible between itself. They need to have the saome mounting system in other that both pieces can be used together. 

The most common baseplate and extension system is the "U-pin" system, but there is also a "double pin (US pin)" system. A baseplate with a U-pin system is one that has a metal pin, about 7 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, with one or two notches. For the U-pin joint system, you need an extension that has in the centre a hole with a slightly larger diameter than the metal pin on the joint is (approximately 1 cm). Inside the extension there is a pin that locks into the notch on the joint.

                                                                              
                                                                  U-pin baseplate                                                                  Extension with U-pin mounting system

The "double pin (US pin)" system has two pins on each side of the hinge, which locks into the side holes at the extension. You've definitely seen this system before, but it's less widespread than the U-pin system.

                                                                                 

                                                      Double pin (US pin) baseplate                                                  Extension with double pin (US pin) mounting system
 

 

                                                                  

TYPES OF BASEPLATES

Power joint / Boge joint

The most commonly used and most common type of baseplate. It is also the most impact resistant, but offers less lateral resistance and stiffness than the Tendon joint.

Boge or Power joint perfectly "depreciates" and absorbs the forces transmitted across the board to the sails on our hands. This baseplate is therefore better suited for jumps, freestyle tricks and chopy conditions, as it perfectly dampens all the forces involved.   

                                                                                     
                                                   

Boge joints also generally have a longer life span than tendon joints.

Many times we also hear the question of what is the difference between a power joint and a Boge joint, as they seem to be the same.

 

Both baseplates look exactly the same, are of the same dimensions and are suitable for the same driving style while offering the same level of depreciation. The difference is only in the manufacturer. Boge is a brand (based in Germany) that makes shock absorbers for the automotive industry. The Power joint, however, is a replica made in Asia. Those of you who have a keen eye will also notice the inscription Boge in Boge joints.

 

Taking stock of the manufacturer's differences, which is the biggest difference between the both baseplates, you will still hear different opinions on quality and durability by different windsurfers. Our opinion that in terms of sailing, transfer of power and forces in the sail-to-board and durability they are almost exactly the same in all respects - except that the Power joint is a bit cheaper.

                                                                                                        

                                              Boge joint can be recognized by the text Boge                                                    Power joint don't have anything written                         

 

Best suited for: chopy conditions as it absorbs forces; freeriders and strong wind; windsurfing in stronger winds and waves.

 

The tendon joints offer greater force transfer between the board and the sail. Tendon joints are firmer and have less lateral movement than the power / boge joints. These joints are better suited for those windsurfers who like instant feedback from the board, and it is very important to get the most accurate feedback possible. These joints can also have some advantage in speed and slalom competitions in the overpower conditions (lower "COE point"), making driving easier to control.

                                                                     

                                                                     

When it comes to catching speed records, some windsurfers prefer power/boge joints, since it is easier to make a water start on extremely narrow boards (50 cm or less) in these extreme conditions.

 

Even with tendon joints, regular examination of the tendon is necessary. Errors or cracks occur mainly at holes through which metal pins that hold the joint in one piece are held. Also, changing these tendons can be done fairly easily with basic tools. When installing a new tendon, all you have to do is make sure that it is precisely inserted into the bottom plate and the upper metal pin part.

 

Best suited for: racers/speed sailing; those seeking good feedback; good control in chopy conditions; lowering the "COE point".

 

Cardan joints are very popular with beginners, non-demanding users and windsurfing schools because it is very easy to mount a sail on the board.

 
                                                                                        

                                                                                      

The joint itself offers very little absorption properties but is also laterally very flexible. As the name implies, the upper and lower joints are made of cardan. Even with endurance in more demanding conditions, they cannot compete with boge/power or tendon joints.

 

Best for: beginners, windsurf schools and calm waters.

 

The lower the baseplate is, the smaller is the "hole between the sail and the board" while planning. The smaller the hole is, the sail is more efficient as we catch more wind. Lower is the height of the baseplate itself, easier it is to move the sail closer to the board.               

                                                                                                                                       

 

Another advantage of the lower baseplate is that it also lowers the "COE point", making it easier to control the sail.

 

 

Baseplates are secured to the board by a single screw and an inverted "T nut."

                                                                   

 

                                                              

Some baseplates also have two screws and two T-nuts are the forces redistribute better and make the baseplates harder to break from the board. The big advantage of twin-screw baseplates is that the baseplate can be left on the board and only the power/boge or tendon joint can be removed. This is very useful in schools and equipment rental centres, as it can more effectively store more boards and make it difficult to dislodge the joint from the board. The disadvantage of this type of twin screws is that we are less flexible about moving the joint lengthwise across the board.

                                                  

 

Although baseplates are very durable, they are not immune to cracks and failures. Usually this is due to not noticing obvious signs of wear and tear (cracking on the rubberized part), but also because of the extreme forces we ever experience when we fall, in the wave and the like.

 

Each baseplate also has a safeguard that secures to a certain extent that when the baseplate fails, sail and board still stay connected. Losing the sail or the board in extreme conditions can put us in a potentially very dangerous and life-threatening situation.

 

The power/boge and cardan joints thus have the upper and lower parts of the joint additionally connected to the strap, which prevents it from breaking into two pieces in the event of a baseplate failure. The tendon joints, however, have upper and lower joints connected to a polyester or dynamo rope. Dynamo rope is stronger and more reliable than polyester.           

                                                                                          

 

Sailing back to the shore with a broken baseplate is of course not recommended, since it is difficult to avoid damaging the board here. However, surely this is much better than staying on the water without rescue!

 

Power/boge joints are very easy to inspect as the top only needs to be tilted slightly and cracks will be noticed. A bit more precision is needed with tendon joints, where the cracks can also be hidden and not so noticeable. They most commonly occur around holes through which metal pins pass.

 

We recommend changing your baseplate every 3 - 4 years (approx. 60 - 100 surf days). It also depends, of course, on what conditions you sail and how you take care of the equipment. Even if there are no visible signs of wear after three years, the material itself is already slightly weakened due to age.

 

While some choose to replace the entire baseplate every 2 years (which at a cost of € 40 per joint really does not represent any cost in terms of the risk of baseplate failure), others only replace the tendon part of the tendon joint or the rubber part of the power joint. (most impacted and fastest worn) every year or after about 120 hours of use. The complete baseplate is replaced every 2 - 3 years.