Rigging an old tie on boom

I'm very new to both windsurfing and newsgroups so I apologise if I'm messing up a thread or other comprable faux paus. I have one quick question that I am unable to find an answer for anywhere (hence my attempt at a using rec.windsurfing).

I recently recieved an OLD Alpha board with the accompanying equipment. It's all in good shape, but apparently nobody uses tie-on booms any more. I just 'need' enough knowledge to get me back on a board and begin adding to my 2.5 hours of experience. That 2.5 hours taught me how this windsurfing stuff will drive a guy fanatical really fast. I don't plan on going too fast any time soon, so there won't be much stress on it. Can any old timers help me (and no, 'go buy a clamp on boom' is not a good answer right now).

Thanks for any help, Aaron K

Has word description

hell, for the postage i'll send you one. take it from one who learned on faulty equipment (with the mast base breaking loose from the 53# board in 25mph wind with swell breaking over me & the rig on the first day for 5 hours). you can make the tie on work sooo good that you might snap the mast (even with a mast protector)

Aaron,

I have had good results with a Windsurfer One Design tie on boom. It is a bit sloppy, but with the old equipment I don't think it makes that much difference. After I got the hang of tying the boom on it does not take much more time than a clamp on. Here are some tips for a Windsurfer boom

If the 'accompanying equipment' includes a pinhead or triangular sail, then getting a clamp on boom may not work. Some of those older sails took a boom which length was 1/2 the height of the sail.

Tell us where you are, and maybe someone who is close to you will donate some gear. I think most of us here hoard gear, and wouldn't have a problem giving you something that will cut your learning curve by 80% if you're really serious about sailing.

There's nothing wrong with vintage gear, but compared to newer gear, learning to sail on it is like putting on a blindfold and heading out in 20knts with 4ft chop.

Brian