Hobie 16 mast base casting ripped out.

I had some trouble raising the mast this fall. The ball didn't go into casting. It was in front of the pocket and I didn't see it. That pulled the base casting loose. I now know that I have to do a strong jerk back motion just before I get vertical to "toggle the hinge so the ball goes into the socket. Seems like a bad hinge design.
I then noticed that a couple of other of my masts have had the base ripped out the same way so I guess I'm not the first.

When I looked under the base casting someone had made a waterproof plug of silicone separate from the base casting so I didn't have to reseal the mast. In fact I just bumped the casting back in and stepped the mast and went sailing anyway.

I guess that base casting doesn't really need the rivets anyway. Maybe strong silicone will would be enough to hold it in...

I wouldn't say "bad design" necessarily... it has worked for about 50 years as is, but you do need to take care when stepping. The mast (26 feet of it) has a lot of leverage if the ball does not get into the cup.

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

I take back "bad design" because the Hobie Cat designs are some of the best most classic designs ever! But that hinge link might be improved upon...

Lucky you to work with such a great American brand!

We updated the link in the early 90's to stiffen it... Maybe you still have the original? The "fix" was for just this issue.

There is an added brace welded across the parts that contact the casting and a spacer in the hinge part that now bolts to the step casting. Both keep the link from deforming and missing the step.

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

I did the same thing a few years ago. The foam mast plug is stock. I resealed that plug, drilled some new holes and put new rivots in to hold the mast base. As you mentioned, the rivots aren't needed to go sailing, but was afraid that I would lose the mast base if it was not attached. They are expensive to replace!

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Steve
1979 Hobie 16 "Orange Crusher"
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795