Mast Stepping Kits for H16 - Recommendations?

I would like to be able to step the mast single handed.

I have seen in the hobie store/catalog there are a few different models for sale.

Which one do you recommend? Again, I would like to do as quick as possible with one person/man.

thank you-dave

i bought a hand winch $25 and pulley wheel $17 bolted the wheel onto the mast support on the trailer as well as the hand winch.. so for under 50 bucks you can build a stepping system yourself and save a bunch of cash. i can take a picture and upload it if you are interested, does not look as fancy as the hobie stepping kit but saves you a bunch of cash!

I use a very simple solo mast step kit:

a rope

or sometimes a tie down

let me explain, tie a strong line to a trap handle and loop it under the bridle. Bring it onto the tramp with you. This works best with the boat still strapped onto the trailer, for stablity. Then, get the mast hooked up to the step link and with your foot on the rear crossbar, lift the mast and walk it forward, while still holding the line hooked up to the trap line. Once the base is secure in the mast base ( don't forget the chip either ) put tension on the line which is running under the bridle and wrap it around the jib halyard cleat. Then you can step off the tramp and grab the forestay and put the pin in. Undo the line/trap setup and you're done! It's easy, and less fuss than winches and all that.

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

I am looking for a more-mechanical method for raising the mast. Lifting the mast and pushing in the base of the mast alone or even with another adult is quite a heavy load for me.

You can purchase very inexpensive 12v-DC winches ($30-50)with a remote, you can then just stand on the tramp and guide the mast as you use the winch tied to the front of the trailer to hoist up the mast. We have a fellow here that does it all the time seams to work slick.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

I have two steppers which are somewhat successful at single-handling the mast stepping. Hopefully this description of my work in progress can help you in your decision making.

One is for the beach where my H16 is stored most of the time, and the other is on my trailer.

For the beach it's simply a 2"x2"x10' piece of steel with a ~$24 winch mounted chest high and a pulley bolted at the top. I temporarily strap this rig to the back side of a 3' high piling in front of my boat. Problem is that whenever I try to raise the mast single-handedly and by winch alone the boat creeps forward and the mast goes no where.

The pulley is well above the stated 30" minimum height difference spec from Hobie but it doesn't seem to matter. My only solution right now is to have someone lift the mast to shoulder height at the rudders and then the winch (and I!) can take it from there. Lateral movement is taken care of by tying the trap lines to the front corner castings with a short spare rope. Once it's on it's way up the system works great and is very stable in high winds.

For the trailer I mounted a winch to the mast stand about chest high. I built a mast stand extension out of 1"x2"x40" steel and mounted a roller to the top. Then I temporarily bolt the extension (with large wing nuts) to the top of the mast stand and thread the line from the winch through it and then to the forestay. Voila.

I just got finished with the trailer mounted stepper this week and haven't had a chance to try it yet, but with the extension that high and the boat strapped down to the trailer I shouldn't have a problem, I don't think .

I'll keep the board posted. I can get you pictures if you want. Otherwise good luck!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Id like to see some pictures of these set ups as I will probably be stepping my 16 alone most of the time....i dont think my 8 y/o daughter will be much help here...

I use same same approach and it is a walk in the park. Works well. Just don't get in a hurry and it's a done deal!

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UK Wildcats have 8 now!

1976 H16 27640
1985 H16 89112

She could put the pin in, while you hold the mast. Doesnt take any strength to do that. Just make sure she know the difference between " the pin is in" and "the pin is kinda in.." cuz that can get messy!

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

If you are able to sail this boat you can step the mast without all the winches and aids. Instead of the line to a trap handle though, I would use an 8 ft extension to your jib halyard and attach it to the regular spot on the bridle. It sounds kind of iffy with just a rope under the bridle. I just make the extension, lift the mast up and tighten the halyard and tie it off to the mast and then go forward and pin the forestay. Easy peasy. I have a line I use with 2 small stainless caribinars (sp?) at either end. Clip, Clip, ready for lift off.

Can someone explain the following? (sorry, these may be dumb questions)

I am not sure the how a line to the trapeze handle would help in raising the mast.
How or why for the 8ft extension?

"Instead of the line to a trap handle though, I would use an 8 ft extension to your jib halyard and attach it to the regular spot on the bridle"

thanks

I"ll post pictures of my rigs but I definitely like the sound of the two other non-winch methods. Sure sounds easier. I"ll end up trying them all to see what is easier as well as more stable.

For the jib halyard method, any reason why this couldn't be done with an aussie rig?

Thanks in advance!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back on here. No, there is no reason that you can't use the Aussie halyard as that is what I have and it works the same way. An 8 foot extension and clip it to the bridle as you would the tack of the sail. Then after walking the mast up, take in the halyard until it is taut then tie it off and go forward and pin the forestay.
This is such a common question on here, someone aught to make a video and put it on YouTube. Maybe this week end. We'll see.

I have been using the jib halyard with an 8' length of line tied to the bridle for over 20 years, ever since I read the recommendation in the Hobie Hotline. There are a couple of problems with it. You must keep the shrouds and trap lines from fouling on the tramp frame and you must get the hinge link to toggle as you raise the mast. I use my paddle extending to one side near the rear of the frame and the tiller out the other side. That will keep the shrouds from catching on the corner castings. I also use a small line and tie the bungee cords for the two trap wires up to the bottom of the tramp lacing right near the base of the mast. I have had these cords hook on the trailer while raising the mast and this prevents that. To get the hinge to toggle I have tied a small line to the pin and then to the tramp lacing. The lacing is flexible enough to give but puts tension on the hinge and makes it toggle down.

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Howard

Howard, any chance you can send some pictures? Would be great.
thanks -dave