H16 masthead sheave

Hi all, I haven't seen any postings on this problem so here's hoping someone has an answer.
The plastic masthead sheave on my H16 has started to break apart (sidewalls are breaking off),and my main halyard wire is jamming between the mast and the sheave unless I am really careful uphauling and downhauling.
Can I temp.fix this plastic wheel with epoxy or should I just bite the bullet and buy a new masthead?Any thoughts?
I see in the Hobie catalog there is only a listing for a "comptip"masthead.(20614001)The "old single sheavehead is no longer available".Is the comptip masthead a bolt-on replacement??
Let me know.Thanks.

Its not that simple...

Back in the 80's, Hobie stopped selling all aluminum masts and, instead, now sells masts with the top 5 feet or so made of a fiberglass material. This comptip uses a different sheave at the top that has two sheaves, not one.

At some point since then, Hobie stopped selling the mast head. (my guess is they stopped manufacturing them because they weren't making the masts anymore). So, my guess is you have two options

1. Bite the bullet and convert your mast to a comp tip. It is not a simple bolt on job, but it can be done by a DIYer or a dealer can do it for you
2. Find an old mast for sale. If the mast is in good shape...just use the new one. If not, detach the sheave and attach it to yours.

While some established dealers may have older parts still lying around still, my guess is that option is a longshot

Good Luck!

Keep your eye on eBay - old mast heads show up all the time.

I've been told that the new style masthead will rivet onto the all aluminum mast no problem. I think you have to get a comptip halyard as well. Anyone done it?

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You can do it - but it's not class legal and I don't think the halyard latch is in the right place.

The last time that I was at my dealer, he had a whole milk crate full of mast heads. Want me to drop in this weekend and get a price?

Tri_X_Troll,that would be great! Price and his e-mail address if you can.
Thanks.

Are you able to get your hands on another one Tri_X_Troll? This is great, I have had this same problem for a long time but haven't ever been able to find a replacement mast head. None of my local dealers have them either. Thanks so much!

Jhinton, if you don't hear back from Tri_X_Troll give Jeremy at Surf City a try.He has a few laying around his shop and the price is right.
What does everyone use to seal a masthead once it's replaced??I have a tube of 3M 5200 kicking around.Will that work?

Will do, thanks. Did you finish your replacement? How did it go? I was told the best way to seal the mast is to squirt a little bit of the expanding foam into the top and seal it with a sealant.

I'm going to wait till spring to do mine.My boats on the beach in front of the house for another 4-6 weeks then I'll drop the mast and throw it on the trailer for the winter.By then it'll be too cold to do the work.I also have to find a rivet gun to do the masthead and my corner castings.
Thanks for the tip on the expanding foam.Have fun.

I've got four mast heads in my side yard still attached to the aluminum sections I cut off masts years ago when I built boats and installed comptips for the local Hobie dealer. If the other offers don't pan out send me an email .. [email protected] and I'll try to help.

My advice would be to not use the 5200 adhesive for a sealant. It is tough stuff and really hard to get rid of once applied. It would be much better to use a good silicon window sealant. It stays pliable and seals very well. Make sure all your rivests are also sealed with a squirt in the center hole. This makes a big difference when you are over on your side and the mast is either taking on water or floating on the top. Make or break your day.

Oops. Sorry. I totally forgot to check the last time I was at the dealer.

I'll put a post it note in the car when I go in this week. I need a spare halyard for Winona.