Comp Tip

I just purchased a 1991 H16. There is slight movement at the comp tip joint.

1. Is some movement normal?

2. Should we have this fixed before we sail?

3. One of the top rivets on the mast tang is raised and loose.

4. is this a difficult fix?

Thanks!!

The comptip should not move when properly installed. There is supposed to be putty put between the comptip ferrule and the inside of the mast during assembly. This was likely either not done or the putty has broken down over time.

There is an article in the Spring 2017 Hobie Hotline about replacing a comptip. Probably worth a read.

Basically you would need to drill out the rivets and pull out the comptip. Grind off any residual putty material and clean the comptip and mast surfaces. Re-putty the comptip, install it, and set new rivets.

sm

Tang - Drill out the old rivet and replace with a new stainless steal rivet (Do NOT use aluminum rivets for this). Fairly East fix. If you do not have a riveter tool, the following is what I use. I paid $20 at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-riveters/heavy-duty-17-1-2-half-inch-hand-riveter-with-collection-bottle-66422.html

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John