mast base broken

my h16 mast base had two rivets and both pulled out of the mast base. so i'm thinking the easiest and cheapest fix is to drill 3 or 4 new holes and re installing with aluminum rivets. the reason being that the aluminum would be the weak link and break , hopefully instead of the stainless rivets holding and breaking the base in another spot. anyone ideas on this?

I had the same problem on my old H16. I re-rivited the same holes and added one more. I used Al rivits because the loads seen on the mast base are all compressive and the rivits don't see much of them. They are there mainly to keep the mast base from falling out. I found that a rivit placed at the very front of the mast base is helpful for extending the life of this repiar.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Aluminum rivets are not advised. They will hold fine when rigged, but can easily fail when stepping the mast. That can be devestating.

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

Good point Matt. There are some interesting forces on the mast base while stepping.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO