Storing mast up

Should I put the step hinge pin in when it's parked on the trailor to prevent rotation an potentially wear on the rigging?

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The ox is slow but the earth is patient

Personally I leave mine unpinned with the mast up.

Rather leave mast unpinned and free to move in strong winds whilst stored.

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Richard Stephens

I've never considered that before as I don't usually have the option of storing the boat with the mast up. However I think the suggestion has merit, saving wear on the base, step and rig. Though if the boat is left unattended you may want to figure how to secure a pin so it doesn't get 'accidentally on purpose' removed.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

6 of one, half dozen of the other. How bout no stepper, tighten the shrouds a bit more?

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

I would shy away from the pin and tie the mast still with the rotator arm if that concerns you.

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2010 AHPC C2 #218

Same here, I wouldn't bother with the pin. On my beach boat, I keep the rigging a little tighter than I normally would for day sailing. This keeps the mast from banging around and also prevents someone from pulling a pin since you can't get the pins to move without hanging some weight on the trap wire.

The rig is designed to rotate so I don't think you're hurting anything by allowing it to do so. If you keep the shrouds tight, the mast will pretty much stay un-rotated anyway. As long as it isn't slamming around, I think you're fine.

sm

My boat lives on the beach. Pull the pin and keep the mast straight by using the mast rotator. Keep the rig tight. Replace the ball more often.

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

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