I've been saving for the past two years to 'upgrade' from my 600 to a Musto Skiff. I've come across the odd report of mast track breakages. Has anyone got any experience of this is? Is it a known problem with the boat? I've had a lot of trouble getting the track on my 600 fixed and I have no intention of rehearsing the experience.

Hi Dohertpk,

Its a good upgrade, something quite a few of the fleet have done and I did myself 4 years ago.

Everything in the boat is pretty robust - but most people have been through phases where they seem to have broken the mast track at the batten ends.  Is it a known problem, yes, is it really a problem, not really, it won't stop you sailing mid-sail.  Selden are also very good and if you sent them a picture they will send you a repair kit for free (pretty quickly).  To repair a section in reality takes about 15 minutes preparation time and then however long the plexus takes to go off, but you can be all ready again in an hour or so.

The class is currently trialling a slightly narrower track to see if this alleviates the issue for good.  The new track is standard on 49ers and they don't seen to break their tracks.

I wouldn't let it put you off, you should definitely get yourself a trial sail in one.  The class usually has a demonstration boat for the summer season, generously provided by Ovington after the dinghy show.