Is it possible to add a step link to an older H14?

Has anyone ever added a step link to an older H14 that was built before they were intended to have one? Is it possible? It appears that you could drill a hole in the hook at the base of the mast and do it, but I am making this assumption based on pictures of the parts.

Took the boat out for the first time last week. Lots of fun, but had a little difficulty stepping the mast and am pretty sure I couldn't do it alone without a lot of struggling.

Any advice appreciated for this newbie.

Yes, you can do it. You need to file off the hook, drill a hole in the "nub" and then drill out the rivet in the mast step.

The original 14's didn't even have a hook. You were supposed to get the mast vertical just in front of the forward crossbar, then lift it vertically to drop it into the step. I've tried doing it that way a couple of times and it's really hard to do without dropping the mast.

Yeah, I tried it that way and had no luck. Was able to get it up with my wife steadying the mast at the base and swinging it up. Evidently, the rivet in the mast base is gone and I just had a hole in the base. Luckily, my brother-in-law mentioned that it appeared that something should go there to catch the hook on the mast. The pin that holds the tiller arm to the rear crossbar fit perfectly, not sure if that was intentional, but it was very convenient.

I actually find it quite easy lifting it vertically if the boat is on the ground not on a trailer. On the trailer is very hard to do.

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Division 10, Fleet 185
Hobie 17 and Hobie 14

Maybe that was the problem, we did have it on the trailer when I tried to lift it straight up.

have all the stays attached just loose enough you can get the mast into the base and away you go. I actually slipped once and dropped the mast but I was able to muscle it enough to prevent it from hitting ground. They're not that heavy just alittle awkward. I'm not a big guy either. Matt can vouche for that.

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Division 10, Fleet 185
Hobie 17 and Hobie 14