Hobie 16 Mast Base PLEASE HELP

I just bought my first Hobie Cat, and I am very new to sailing. I noticed that something didn't look right with the bottom of my mast and the mast base. Are they broken? Are they still usable? If they are unusable, where would I get a replacement part?

Photos?

Parts are available through Hobie Cat dealers: https://www.hobie.com/dealers/

Select product type "Fiberglass Sailboats" and enter your location information.

Parts lookup tool: https://www.hobie.com/parts-and-accessories/

20200011 MAST STEP,H14/16 BLACK


20640011 MAST BASE H16 BLACK


21380001 MAST STEP LINK KIT H14/16


Rivets list on page 51: https://static.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/14-16_March_2017.pdf

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

Here are the links to the pictures.
I can't tell if they are broken or not. Thanks for the help!

The base "hook" is broken. It is an old style. You can update to the newer version that uses a link. Makes it easier to step the mast by drilling a hole in that nub on the base and removing the pin in the step casting. Or, replace both parts.

Instructions: https://static.hobiecat.com/item_attachments/21380001z52.pdf

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

The other day I had a "ghost ship" day when my boat sailed off from the shore without me. It capsized before I could get to it.

After up-righting it and sailing back to shore, I noticed that the mast step link was bent. Normally gravity keeps the step link down (while sailing) so it will not hit the mast base nub, but while capsized (or turtled), gravity can cause the link to swing out and hit the mast base nub and get bent.

Is it better to remove the mast step link after the mast is up each time or is there a way to keep the mast step link down against the mast step (while sailing)?

_________________
Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

Some of the links are spring loaded to help hold the hinge down when not being used. But most people just use two pins so the entire link can be taken off after the mast is stepped.

sm

I always take my mast step link off after the mast is up. Don't know why, just something I've always done.

_________________
Sledder does it better

I guess I will use a second phillips screw driver instead of the bolt, so the link can easily be installed or removed.

_________________
Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL