Hobie Mast Base Seating Issues

I just purchased a brand new hobie mast base and hobie mast step for my Hobie 16. I went to raise the mast and noticed the mast base didn't fit down into the mast step like it did when I dry fitted it. I did put a teflon washer in prior to stepping the mast could that be holding it out? It still hits the stops but just barely. Wondering what I missed? Any suggestions?

Can't see the image...

You got this step casting?

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

Mast Rake. More rake = less interference/contact.

Sorry maybe this link will work instead.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hARo8HvqwCxF7YSx5

Dolphin striker threaded in too far?

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

I verified the dolphin striker was roughly 1/16 lower than the base. I didn't go flush with it. It just seems like it's sitting way too high. My old stops wore off because they weren't fully hitting. Is it OK to sail it like this?

Looks like your chip is too thick. It will compress down under sailing loads though. Is this a standard Hobie chip?

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

This could certainly be. The chips came with the boat I assumed they were the standard hobie size. I will take a pic with thickness measurements and hopefully someone can verify. I don't see anything online with a measurement on the chip thickness.

You could try stepping your mast without a teflon chip to see how the mast step and mast base align.

If it is fine, then use a thinner chip, like the plastic screw on cap from a disposable plastic water bottle for example. These plastic caps are already have a "cupped" shape so they will stay properly located in the bottom of the mast step.

I usually take some disposable water bottles along with me every time I sail so I always have a good supply of the plastic screw on caps available to use as a chip. I trailer my boat, so I have to step the mast each day I sail. The bottle caps last about 5-6 days of heavy sailing.

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

The thick chips take more force to form. Once formed even the thicker chips are not a problem. Typical sailing loads are sufficient to form the chip, or just raising the sail and sheeting in hard. Either way, this problem should solve itself.

I forgot all about the stiff chip effect as I keep forgetting to buy new chips and keep using cut up milk carton plastic.

Yes this chip is a little less than 1/8" thick which I'm guessing is significantly thicker than a milk jug. I will sail it for a bit and see if it solves the problem thanks for the replies!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yKWQxWL6RejYjSPDA