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Dropped my mast while stepping
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=62973		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  blownashore [ Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Dropped my mast while stepping
I had this bright idea to use a quick-release pin for the forestay on my '80 H16, but didn't realize it was very slightly too small. Stepped the mast with the nose downhill, and while rigging my bridle vane the pin came out and the forestay draped back toward the mast. Friend, trying to help, grabbed the port shroud and pulled a bit. Would have just stood there if he didn't pull that shroud.

As if in slow motion, the mast (with link still attached at the foot/step) came crashing down on the port side of the rear crossbar. Mast link is destroyed of course, but the mast has a noticeable crease in the left side and a slight bend at about 7'6" from the foot.

Now what? Some reading suggests that I shouldn't do anything - just sail it - because trying to straighten it might weaken it. What do you guys think?

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Image URL edited by admin... should have image rather than page URL. Ends in .jpg
Author:  blownashore [ Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Another image after I stepped the bent mast tonight

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Author:  kevinbatchelor [ Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
That sucks, at least its a 16 and you get masts for it, probably cheap used.
Author:  HobieMarty [ Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
That really sucks. If the sail track isn't pinched too bad maybe it would be okay but I dont know, someone with more knowledge about this may be able to help.
Author:  srm [ Sat Jun 16, 2018 5:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Aluminum tubes get substantially weaker when they have creases in them. Think about what happens to a soda can when you crush in one of the sides.

The kink in your mast is in a very bad location (not that there is any good location for one). I would not sail it like that- you run the risk of the mast collapsing under load. You could potentially try to use a slide hammer to pull out the dent. But your best bet is probably to just source a new (used) mast. They tend to pop up pretty regularly on craigslist and ebay.

sm
Author:  cpnsoo [ Sat Jun 16, 2018 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
It would seem that the boat originally had a clear mast to match the rest of the boat. Your dolphin striker post looks out of wack also. Depending on your location you should be able to find a good mast. I believe in 79 they went with the better design on the mast tang.. so something from 79-84 would work. Plenty of junk boats out there, in that vintage. You may have to buy a junk boat to get a good mast.
Author:  srm [ Sun Jun 17, 2018 4:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Good catch, I didn’t even notice the dolphin striker post. Yes, it is definitely bent - should be pointing straight down. My guess is someone tried to winch the boat by hooking the winch line to the bottom of the striker.

sm
Author:  isantop [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
You're definitely looking at a new mast. Aluminum tubes will hold a lot of compression until they get a crease, then they hold very little. Straightening it would definitely make it weaker too.
Author:  jsloan999 [ Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Where are you located?
Author:  blownashore [ Thu Jun 21, 2018 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Ontario, Canada.
Author:  MBounds [ Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
blownashore wrote:
Ontario, Canada.

Ontario is a pretty big province. Lots of distance between Kingston and Thunder Bay - and that's only about 2/3 of the way across. Can you be a bit more specific?
Author:  blownashore [ Tue Jun 26, 2018 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Quote:
Lots of distance between Kingston and Thunder Bay


I'd probably drive that far, but I take your point. Kitchener.
Author:  blownashore [ Tue Jun 26, 2018 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
Update

I sent the photos to a tech support guy at Hobie Cat USA, and he suggested trying to bend it straight, which I did. I sailed it tonight in 15kt gusting low 20s and it was fun, everything behaved as expected.
Author:  MBounds [ Tue Jun 26, 2018 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dropped my mast while stepping
blownashore wrote:
Quote:
Lots of distance between Kingston and Thunder Bay


I'd probably drive that far, but I take your point. Kitchener.

There's a number of catamaran clubs / clubs with cats in the greater Toronto area . . .
Burlington Catamaran Club
Etobicoke Yacht Club
Water Rats Sailing Club

Just to name a few. Google 'em, get a contact name and you'll probably find a new-to-you mast for a reasonable price.

Bent is one thing, creased is another. That crease has "break here" written all over it.
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