Mast Cracks Near Top

I have a couple of small cracks 2 to 3 feet from the top of the composite mast. They are right about where the mast lies on the rear crossbar mast support when trailering. I'm assuming they are caused by the mast/bob bouncing up and down when trailering. This brings up three questions:

Are they cosmetic or do they need to be repaired? If so, how?

When trailering, do you place the mast in the supports with the front of the mast facing sideways or down?

What is the optimal position for the mast when trailering? Too far forward and the mast in front of the front support really bounces up and down while trailering, but too far back and the mast/bob behind the rear support bounces a lot. How far back does everyone place the bob for trailering?

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Dave

I take off the bob when trailering. It's only 2 screws. And the Bob fits nicely in the cover of the toy box.


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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

The black material is primarily cosmetic / water barrier. You could attempt to discover if the cracks are into glass, but I suspect not.

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

I'm curious about repairing this as well. I have some peeling in the same area. I'm wondering about sanding it and using a fiberglass kit to reseal it, then paint it.

Where did you get that cradle for the mast in the picture? I didn't see one in the catalog for the getaway.

3175 Mast Cradle on page 29 of the latest catalog.

May not have listed Getaway for that cradle on earlier catalogs simply as an oversight.

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

I'm still looking for input on my 2nd and 3rd question above. How does everybody set up the mast/bob for trailering? Mast facing down or sideways? How far back from the rear crossbar do you put the bob (for those of you who leave it on)?

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Dave

I would place the Bob close to the rear beam and track straight up for strongest / least flexible position. Less over hang causes less load on the CompTip.

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