Mast Stepper iii - quick question on securing trapeze lines

Just purchased my 16 and put up the mast… ordered a Mast Stepper iii.

Can anyone provide a quick guide and parts needed for securing the trapeze lines in order to stabilize the mast while raising and lowering? The rest seems very clear but I can't quite grasp what I should use to make it secure and safe for solo operation.

Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately... the stepper III is not designed for the Hobie 16. That product is specific to the Getaway and masts that rotate 90 degrees to step.

For a Hobie 16 you can use Stepper or Stepper II

Those products describe trapeze wires are used to keep the mast from swaying.

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

Thanks. Changed order to a Stepper II

One set of trap wires stabilize the mast and the other set is used to raise. Just raised one yesterday with a EZ step. It is an older model before they had a 123

I have a new 16 and am in the midst of figuring out best method of masting (raising and lowering). When solo, the sway is the issue. if you don't control the sway, you run the risk of blowing out the step link. Using a set of trap wires, as suggested by the Lord of this forum, is the solution. On my next masting session, I plan to employ inline rope cleats to facilitate quick changes in the sway preventer's length. I'll let you know the results in my next post to this thread.

Posting to confirm that the inline rope cleats did the trick. Lowered the mast in a shifty wind without sway. Mast landed right in my cradle on the aft crossbar. You can pick them up for about 6 bucks each, including the line.

I am always amazed at the number of posts about raising the mast using all kinds of contraptions.

I have found that if you can position the boat in any kind of a nose down position on the beach, that you can raise the mast in one quick motion and get it leaning forward without worry. Once it is in that position, you can easily pin the forestay. I start with the shrouds really loose while raising, then pin the forestay where I want it, then tighten up the side shrouds by pulling on the trap wires.

If you go to the Hobie 16 FAQ at the top of this forum, there is a great video by Matt on the subject.

_________________
Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"