New mast step installed but.......

G'day all,

First post on this forum for me and first Hobie for me also!

I have sailed my mid eighties Hobie 16 a few times now and found a few things to fix straight away.

The mast stepping guide holes were busted on the mast step itself so I brought a new one and drilled and fitted it without any problems.

I have noticed that when I raised the mast today to check everything over, the lower mast bulb appears to sit higher than it did in the original mast step. I was extremely careful to fully check that the replacement mast step was the same in every dimension and am confident that it is an exact match.

It looks as though the mast step and rotation stops on the mast are sitting correctly (and rather worn on the mast I know) at the front but I cant help but think that the bulb is not sitting low enough in the cup.

Am I imagining this or is this acceptable???

Please see photo below..

Cheers and awesome site BTW!

http://s376.photobucket.com/user/stumpynige/library/

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Stumpy

Likely due to the aft canted design of the new one? Just looks more exposed from the side. The post may be threaded in too far? The casting itself is a fraction up off the crossbar, but all loots OK. Mast chip in there? New ones get compressed as you use them.

The mast is too far forward in the photo. Tuning guide: http://static.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/hobie-16-tuning-guide.pdf

Mast Rake: As a guide, mast should be raked aft so the mainsheet blocks touch or nearly so when fully sheeted.

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

What Matt said - but with emphasis - way too much forward rake.

That mast is sitting on the rotation stop, not bottomed out in the cup.

Thanks for you comments Matt,

The mast step does not sit perfectly flush however the dolphin striker is threaded to spec until flush with the inside cup base. Then clamped and riveted through the existing holes. Teflon washer installed in cup to receive mast base.

I think your spot on about the new mast steps being canted further back. The head stay seems too short now and after finally wrestling into its place, it pulls the mast way forward of where it should be.

To prove a theory I fitted a headstay That is 1.5 inches longer than the original head stay. As soon as I stepped the mast it looked much better at the mast step. This headstay is damaged and unusable so Ill have one made to this length.

Before I do so, how far back is about right? For example, if you were to stand back and look side on, if the mast head sits vertically over where the shrouds bolt to the hull would this be too far?

Thanks again!

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Stumpy

Depends on the type of mainsheet blocks and jib cut you have. You want to come as far aft as possible.

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

Cool,

I'll set it up again with the longer (damaged) headstay then raise the main sail and sheet in (6:1 blocks) to see where its all at before having another stay made up.

Appreciate your help.

Stumpy

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Stumpy

Just use a second stay adjuster to get the mast rake you need. No need to get a new (or use a damaged) forestay.

That will also let you attach the tack your jib higher, so you still have room to sheet in the jib.



Newer boats have much more mast rake than what you're indicating:


The mast head is almost over the rear crossbar.

Thanks MBounds!

Top idea!

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Stumpy