Had my universal disintegrate today at the end of the runway on Botany Bay, about 1.5 km from the nearest shore. Luckily there were plenty of guys out, so someone brought me out a spare and I got back in with no fuss.

There was no indication that this would happen, no loose bits, or other signs of wear. This has me thinking that I should probably replace the uni every few years as a matter of course. Boom too for that matter as I had one fail recently, but fortunately a lot closer to shore.

What do others think? Anyone else do this?

P.S. Thanks to Andrew for the spare parts, and also to Harold and Chloe for hanging around until I got going again.

You justed refreshed my memory l haven't changed my for 2 seasons.they just break with no warning .funny enough it happen to me down at botany few years back in a howling north/easter guess who toed me in a jetskeir .the one time l was glad to see one.just a thought wash the salt out after every sesh!

If its a Chinook brand your in hope well maybe unless the straps break!

BFlood said..

My uni has a strap as well as the rubber between the base and spike, I assumed this was for redundancy should the rubber give way. Is this the case or am I relying on hopes and dreams?

The spike broke out of the thread as the whole thread broke open and top part fell apart. Looked like a mix of metal fatigue and corrosion. The strap does nothing for you in that scenario. And trying to get back in 25 knots and bay chop would surely puncture the board even if the strapping held things roughly in place.

Thanks guys, you've confirmed my thoughts. New gear being ordered tomorrow.

BFlood said..

My uni has a strap as well as the rubber between the base and spike, I assumed this was for redundancy should the rubber give way. Is this the case or am I relying on hopes and dreams?

The strap works and can get you back to shore. If it says Ezzy and not JP.
Had experience with both

My outhaul is down to almost the last thread. But I figure full length battens would hold it in reasonable shape to get home.