SR Mast Maintenance Guide

The SR Mast represents nearly two years of development and the largest R&D investment in F4 history. Like every high-performance piece of equipment, it is designed to deliver exceptional performance on the water and will reward a little care and attention off the water.

Fortunately, keeping your SR in top condition is simple.

The Clear Coat Explained

Every SR mast leaves our factory with a full clear coat finish applied across the entire mast surface.

This often raises a question after the first few sessions when riders notice the clear coat beginning to wear or peel from the metal section of the mast.

The short answer?

This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

The clear coat is applied to provide a uniform surface finish across the mast and to ensure consistent preparation from the factory. Once the coating wears away from the metal section, the underlying surface is already properly prepared and ready to perform exactly as intended.

No additional treatment is required.

Many race riders choose to further prepare their foil systems through sanding and surface finishing techniques. While common in racing environments, these modifications are considered user alterations and are not covered under the F4 warranty.

Fastener Care

One of the most important aspects of maintaining any hydrofoil system is proper fastener care.

We strongly recommend:

• Applying marine grease or Tef-Gel to all fasteners at all times.
• Inspecting fasteners regularly for signs of wear or corrosion.
• Replacing all fasteners every 90 days of regular use.
• Replacing any fastener immediately if signs of damage, wear, stretching, corrosion, or thread deterioration are present.

Fresh hardware is inexpensive insurance for equipment operating under extremely high loads.

Washing After Use

After every session, rinse the mast thoroughly with fresh water.

Salt, sand, and contaminants left on the mast for extended periods can affect both appearance and long-term durability.

A simple rinse after use goes a long way toward keeping your equipment in excellent condition.

Never Store the Mast Wet

This is one of the most important recommendations for long-term appearance and durability.

After washing, dry the mast completely before packing or storing it.

Storing the mast while wet can lead to:

• Discoloration of the carbon surfaces.
• Surface staining on the metal section.
• Cosmetic changes that can be difficult to remove later.

While these issues are typically cosmetic, they are easily avoided with proper drying before storage.

Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store your SR mast for an extended period, we recommend cleaning and drying it thoroughly before storage.

For additional protection and to maintain a pristine appearance, you may apply:

• Marine grease
• Protective marine varnish
• Similar corrosion-prevention products suitable for marine environments

This extra step is not required for normal use but can help preserve the finish during prolonged storage periods.

Built for Performance

The metal components used in the SR mast were selected not only for their corrosion resistance but also for their ability to meet the stiffness and performance requirements that define the SR platform.

The mast is designed to be ridden hard and enjoyed often.

Treat it with the same care you would any premium racing bicycle, sailboat, surfboard, or foil system, and it will continue delivering the direct connection, efficiency, and ride quality that make the SR unlike anything else on the water.

See you out there.