replacing mast ball

I didn't rotate the mast enough when lowering and snapped off the ball that the mast rests on. It looks like a simple replacement - it's just a bolt with a ball on top. Is that true? Any gotchas?

Thanks

Jeff

Actually, the ball is threaded onto the top of the stud. Unless you bent the stud, all you should need is the ball. Hobie p/n 30110001 - about $26.

But it's unusual that the mast base casting would not be damaged. Check it carefully.

Brian C

Brian,

Thanks for the heads up about the mast base. I was worried about that, but the mast base looked unharmed except for a scrape where the bolt slid along the bottom of it. My local dealer pointed out that the bolts can get brittle after a few years and snap more easily. I'm not sold on that explanation. My boat is a 2005. What do you think?

Jeff

I think that stainless steel bolts/studs work hardens very quickly when bent... emphasis on "bent". Without seeing your post, I can't recommend whether or not it needs replacing. If it hasn't been bent, it should be OK.... emphasis on "should".

Sorry to be in CMA mode. Giving long distance advice on repairs doesn't always work.

Brian C

no need to apologize for the CMA phrasing. I don't expect anyone to figure out my specific problem. I'm just trying to get some ideas on what typically happens with these components, and check if I'm missing something. Particularly, does the bolt aging explanation seem plausible.

I'll replace the bolt and ball, then see how it all looks.

Jeff

Guess it depends on your definition of "few". Even in a salt water environment, I don't consider the mast stud to be a consumable item (consumable being something that fails with normal usage - e.g. mast bearings, line and sails). I would think it should easily last 10 years. The only ones we've replaced have been damaged in storms.

Maybe your dealer knows something I don't... Fairly unlikey.

Brian C

I almost spit my drink on the keyboard!

That's my new signature!!


Thanks,
Jeremy
Maybe your dealer knows something I don't... Fairly unlikey.

Didn't you hear? Aris sold his dictionary and encyclopedia when I came onboard. I know everything... At least that's what my wife tells me.

But seriously, stainless work hardening in a few years without apparent damage?!?! When was the last time you had to replace "young" stainless fittings that didn't have obvious kinks or wear marks? Never I'm betting.

Someone has a bunch of mast studs in stock I'm thinking...

I tried... But it was just too big a target not to take a shot at.



Puhlease... Maybe inside a nuclear reactor, but not on the front crossbar.

It's official, tact is out the window. I call BS.

Brian C

bent our mast bolt a little when we first got it by accident...our dealer told us not to worry about it...(bent only a little) been sailing on it 3 years now and no problems