mast step

I just purchased another 16 and it had a bent mast, so I picked up another mast with a boat attaghed to it. My question is, the mast step gets so tight it takes a hammer to get the pin out once the mast is raised, my shrouds are loose and the step link looks fine I thought all mast bases were a like? I have severel and they look the same. Any insight would greatly be appreicated.

Mine is also tight, but I think it has more to do with the step link being a little deformed. I just started using a phillips screwdriver as the pin. It is a hair thinner in diameter, and the handle makes it easier to pull out.

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

About two years ago I had both the mast step and mast base replaced. The stops were worn badly. I had the same problem before the replacement that I'm having now; the same problem that both of you are experiencing.
(1) about 6 months ago I bought a 1 ft. stainless steel rod. I forgot what the diameter was, but it was the same diameter that the original pin was. I had them cut the rod into 2 in. sections - 6 total. So, I now have 6 new pins.
(2) It's difficult to pull the pin out after stepping the mast and also putting them in at the end of the day when I want to take the mast back down - the same problem you both have. But, when I pull the forestay toward the back of the boat with my left hand, the pin comes out and goes back in very easily with my right hand. Pulling the forestay back brings the mast slightly foreward.
I hope this helps you both.

So maybe it would help to put the pin in BEFORE lowering the jib.

For me it isn't a big issue, the screwdriver works great.

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

On most boats, especially newer ones, the link can't accommodate the severe mast rake of the rig "at rest" - with the jib down and the forestay tight.

There's a pretty simple solution - when raising the mast, pull the pin (or have your helper do it) while the shrouds are still taut before you let the mast rest back against the forestay.

Dropping the mast, either push the mast forward while a helper pins the link, or have the helper push the bridle/forestay vertex towards the front crossbar (thus standing up the mast) while you pin the link.

Once the link is pinned, don't let the mast tilt back until you're actually lowering it. You'll mangle the pin and/or the link. Don't ask me how I know.