Mast too heavy?

I have had several other Hobie sailers suggest that the mast on my '86 H16 is heavier than it should be. It is very difficult to step.

I haven't heard any water sloshing around in it. Is there anything or anywhere in particular that I should check to see if it's taken on water?

I've only had the boat a few months and I have not tipped it over yet. So, if there's water I didn't put it there!

The mast has a comp tip and it came with a Hobie Bob installed and it is still there.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks!

_________________
Michael
'86 H16 #91487

The Hobie Bob will certainly make stepping much more difficult. That may be the difference. Otherwise just rock and listen for water in the CompTip or main mast sections.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt. If I find water in either place is there a preferred method for getting it out?

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

For the aluminum... drill a cheek block rivet or drilla hole to drain, then plug with another rivet and cap.

While the rivet is out... pressure the mast and use soapy water around fittings to discover the source.

For the CompTip... You may have to remove the mast head and poke a hole in the top seal. Paint resin over the mold part line up the front and behind the luff track (If you can remove it). Fix the top seal and re-rivet the mast head.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Putting even the nominal weight of a hobie bob on the end of a 26 ft lever arm will greatly increase the force needed to raise the mast. My first 16 had a bob on it (original bob) and it was almost impossible to raise mast solo. But take it off, and it was no issue.

Thanks for the comment. I will do a detailed check for water in the mast later this year. In the mean time i will just make sure I get some help when I have to raise the mast.

It's getting a little bit easier to perhaps I'm getting stronger from doing it enought time!

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

I have a lot of water in my mast, it's easy to hear it. I am planning on drilling a small drain hole close to the bottom of the mast but where? I don't want to hit the mast base insert or anything else internal?

I suspect it is rainwater funneling down from the bob into the comp tip behind the luff track. (this boat hasn't capsized in a long time). I plan to leave the drain hole open, allowing water to drain as it collects. Even with the boat on it's side the base of the mast doesn't touch the water.

Comments, suggestions?

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Capt. Han
Sail Safaris tours, lessons and rentals
St John, US Virgin Islands
http://www.sailsafaris.net
toll free(866)820-6906

Take the Bob off and weigh it...compare it to the factory specs on a new, dry weight.

One other possibility, the previous owner may have filled the mast with expanding foam. That much foam will add considerable weight.

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Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057

Thanks so much for the ideas. The water is in the mast, the bob is empty. I think it is trickling around the outside of the Bob and into the mast? We've had this boat since new. The foam in the bottom of the comp tip is only a plug right?

I'll probably drill the hole tomorrow. I figure I can always seal a pop rivet in there if it takes on sea water.

_________________
Capt. Han
Sail Safaris tours, lessons and rentals
St John, US Virgin Islands
http://www.sailsafaris.net
toll free(866)820-6906

I had water in my mast like you describe. I drilled two tiny holes inside the luff track, about 1" and 1.5" above the base, using the smallest bit I had in my set. Water trickled out for hours, but hasn't been a problem since.

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What - Me Worry?


2006 Hobie Wave 7358
"Ish Kabibble"

I drilled a hole today. There was a sucking sound as the mast depressurized and then the water began to pour out. I tasted it and it was rainwater, not seawater. I don't know how it got in with such a tight, pressurized seal? I'm going to leave the hole open (5/32 drill bit) for now.

_________________
Capt. Han
Sail Safaris tours, lessons and rentals
St John, US Virgin Islands
http://www.sailsafaris.net
toll free(866)820-6906