Riviera trolling systems have a mast that extends up to approx 7', and different mounting bases available. I use in-line boards mainly, but I do own a Riviera mast and have had no problems with it. For me, big boards worked well with more lines out (chartering 10+ lines). But now with mainly just my wife and I, in-line boards are my choice. If using a mast, a taller mast to keep your board line higher, out of the water as much as possible worked best for me (to avoid waves whacking it constantly). I always made my own releases using gator clips, shower curtain hooks and rubber gasket pads, so I couldn't offer much on other releases. Get plenty of releases so you don't need to keep pulling in your big boards to retrieve them.