HELP Mast Mount Repair!!!!!!!

Ok so here is our problem. This is what we are working with. We got this boat for free so we are not really complaining. we just wanna know how to fix it. The mount on the cross bar has come off completely and we dont know how to put it back. Rivets are to small and we can't get inside the bar to put a plate and bolt on it.

get the newer style mount with 4 rivet holes . then use the appropriate rivits for the job also if the x bar holes are too wide take the dolphin off completely, put i washer siliconed in place under the hole and then put back together using the washer as a backing plate for the x bar. The washers can be inserted through the dolphin hole. remember to then use a slightly longer rivvet and your good to go

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

so i would need the mast step assembly black 60180011 shown in this pic...?

I think the consensus on this forum is to replace the old 2-rivet mast base with the newer style mast base. Search the forum for old posts. The old style mast base comes loose from the cross bar (as you know) and can cause stress cracking in the cross bar. There is a good pictorial instruction on how to replace the old style with the new style mast step base on TheBeachCats.com http://www.thebeachcats.com/index.php?module=pictures&g2_itemId=10984

Otherwise use oversized rivets to re-attach the old base,. Make sure you pull the base tight to the crossbar before you re-attached it with the rivets. http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7604&highlight=mast+rivet Use only good quality Stainless Steel (marine grade) rivets.

Also; Your photo shows a bolt place of the mast step hinge pin. This hinge pin is used only when the mast is being raised and should be removed after the mast is standing. The mast should freely rotate on the base, otherwise the force from the sails, mast, etc will put unwanted stress on the mast base and cross bar and cause damage. This may be way your mast base rivets failed.

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John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

Where could i find the newer style mast base to purchase?

http://www.hobiecat.com/company/dealer.html

Support your local dealer.

Brian C

You will most likely need rivet sleeves as your holes look wallered out. Order them at the same time as the step. You will need to release the tension on the dolphin striker to replace the step properly.

In looking at your pictures, i would also guess that you need to tighten the two nuts on the end of the rod at the ends of the crossbar in order to put a bit more "bow" in the front crossbar.

The weight and downforce of the mast really rests on the mast base that rests on the dolphin striker and is supported by the rod that goes from one end of the crossbar to the other. Without the correct amount of tension on the cross rod, the hulls have a tendancy to toe out and the crossbar itself flexes downward resulting in the gap between the mast base and the crossbar as shown in your pictures.

The suggestion as made by others that you buy the new style four rivet mast base and use sleeves on the two existing holes is a good one. Just be sure and set the tension on the cross rod properly or the problem will eventually reoccur.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

This may or may not seem obvious, but you also definitely want to have the pin in when you lower the mast as well.


As far as what others have said, the 4-rivet mast step is the way to go. Some have suggested that you loosen the dolphin striker bolts at the ends of the cross-bar before re-attaching the mast step. I will tell you that in my experience, there is an extremly high chance that the stainless steel dolphin striker rod is frozen inside the aluminum end casting. It will probably be a real bear to adjust if the boat has been used in salt water. You would probably be better off using a jack between the striker rod and the bottom of the crossbar to seat the new step.

One last recommendation. Since you've got the step off, I would suggest that you give the crossbar a through inspection for any cracks in the step area. I've had two crossbars crack there (luckily I caught them before they failed).

sm

Should anyone find they need a new front crossbar, I have a couple.

One Black Anodized with a 4 rivet base, and
One Clear Anodized with a 2 rivet base.

Both sailed here in Fresh Colorado Water.

(Shameless Self Promotion)

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

How much would one of those cost? and the shipping to Charleston SC?

I'm also doing some mast mount repair after the storm and my dolphin striker is frozen, any suggestions to get it loose?
I'll post some photos soon.
Also look for a Storm Damage thread sometime today.

Thanks,
J