Really old mast base replacement

Hey all,

I'm new to the forum. A reborn hobie cat nut; I used to teach sailing in san diego 12 or so years ago and just moved back and had the opportunity to get myself a nice 37 year-old H16. First time out was great but resulted in a shopping list of needed repairs. Most I've figured out for myself or can tackle some other time. The one thing that needs immediate attention though is the broken mast base. I'm positive it needs to be replaced and I'm confident I am up to the task, definitely after a little research.

Here's the issue: My mast base/step set up looks different from all the other ones I'm seeing, I think mine must be an earlier (1971) design. First of all, it does not appear to make use of the removable hinge everyone else uses. Second, instead of a hole that would connect it to the hinge, it has a notch of similar diameter to the hole on the newer models (if the newer bases form an "eye," mine forms an open hook, sorry I don't have pics). About half of the "hook/notch" is broken off. Lastly, instead of holes for a hinge on the mast step, I've got a permanent cross bar (about 1/4" diameter) that engages the above mentioned base notch.

I figure I have two options. replace both the mast base and mast step with the new versions for $130 and hope that the mast is the same shape. Someone please let me know if that has changed since 1971 also. OR, hopefully I can attach a new mast base and modify (drill out the crossbar) in the mast step for closer to $50. The cross bar appears to be in the same place as the holes in the new model.

Has anyone heard of or performed this procedure? Can someone validate my theory that I just have a really old mast base design? Any other suggestions would be great. The mast base is definitely busted beyond repair and I want to upgrade to the new system using the hinge, even if it means replacing the step.

Thanks everyone. Let me know if anyone wants to race around mission bay some weekend in april!

I can validate that it sounds like you have a really old mast step/base. I believe you are correct in that the system was intended that the hook on the mast base is supposed to engage the bar on the mast step as you lower the mast. It probably didn't work very well and that's why Hobie changed it. I've seen pictures of this old system, but I've never seen it in person.

The mast and front crossbar dimensions should not have changed over the years. Maybe you can find someone with a newer mast step to compare.

sm

There have got to be hundreds of old Hobies there in SoCal. You could find some spare parts someplace I am sure. Even where I live in the desert I have been able to find what I need without spending a lot of dollars. Mast hinges and hull plugs are about the only thing I have bought new. Ebay, cragslist, somebody out there has a mast base for you.

And on that "tack", go for a complete used front crossbar. IMHO, removing and replacing the tramp and entire crossbar is easier than replacing the step base, which is threaded in to the dolphin striker post.

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

The step link instructions show you how to modify the old base and step casting to use the link. Buy a link, do the modifications and you are good to go.

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

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm definitely looking to upgrade to the new base, not a direct replacement of what I had, and make use of the step link system. I should be able to modify the step base without removing it from the crossbar. I'll start looking around for the new base and step link. Anyone know of a vendor that has them for cheap, used should be fine. there's not anything on ebay/craigslist. Thanks again.

This may be useful to modify your existing base.

http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/21380001.pdf

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

I don't understand why you would have to or want to replace the whole crossbar.

Just this past weekend at MWE I realized that my old boat ('82) had a different step than the new boats. I was trying to get maximum mast rake and the stops on the mast base were going over the top of the stops on the base.

Anyway, Brad (Sunjammers) had a new base. Matt Bounds told me what to do.

It was really easy...loosen the dolphin striker rod nuts, drill our 4 rivets and rap the dolphin striker from the bottom. POP! the old base rose up just enough to unscrew it and the new one screwed right back on. I then used my mainsheet system between the trailer tongue and the striker rod to pull it into place. Drilled 4 holes and reset 4 rivets, tightened the rod nuts, and was done in twenty minutes and one beer.

_________________
Jack Woehrle
Wave #100
H20 #287 "Tallahassee Lassie" (down in FLA)

Jack,

There is a whole photo post on the beachcats describing the process to go through when the striker post is "frozen" to the cross bar. In my two different attempts to change bases I've encountered this problem, when no POP occured. Beating, banging, heat and finally use of a scissor jack followed turning it into an all day affair. Luckily, on the second boat (again no POP) I had a whole crossbar at my disposal and found its replacement to be the lesser of two evils.

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

So.....you're saying I was LUCKY? Should I buy lottery tickets while the streak is still going?

_________________
Jack Woehrle
Wave #100
H20 #287 "Tallahassee Lassie" (down in FLA)

xxx

I know this topic is long gone, but I wanted to post my experience. I have a '76 and it had the original step system but the rivets were weak and the aluminum was beginning to tear. I had to cut about 3/4 of an inch off the bottom of the mast to make room for a new base, and fresh rivet holes I made up for the room by adding a comptip. With the new base and the old step the mast would not rotate. I used my dremmel and grinded down the step to allow for rotation and she works great now. Maybe someday I might just add a new base for peace of mind.

Luke