Mast Wear and Tear

My comptip has some cracks in it. Boat is a 2010 that has been sailed in the ocean 2 weeks a year, so about 150 days of ocean sailing on it. Stored under a tarp every winter. This week while sailing, I had a 3 year old forestay break and demast me about 2 miles out in the ocean. No fun. A little disappointed that it broke with such little use and no signs of wear. I would appreciate the forums thoughts on the condition of my mast. Thanks!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Unp3G91pfK9EiTSA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wCUapnNDCDsuieLa6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BgA1UJsDfiqpAfuu6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XWv72neAAPkmjqss7

My question is, does the comptip nned to be replaced? I think it's ok but after getting demasted out to sea this year, I'm prepared to replace if this wear is indicating an imminent failure.

IMHO damages are cosmetic.

I have 5 mast tops with various issues

Re shroud break that would be corrosion caused water and accelerated by salt I lost 4 this season alone

They start to corrode in the swage fitting usually

back in the day we would clean with fresh water dry thoroughly and smear with anhydrous lanolin to keep out the nasty

Would love to hear mmiller's take on my mast condition. Is the wear and tear cosmetic or does it indicate a pending failure?

I also believe it is cosmetic. At one time the CompTip molds were rebuilt and they made the lower end a sharp corner. Used to and now has a beveled edge. That tighter fit to the extrusion can caused the putty on the CompTip to chip under compression loads. You can patch with an epoxy putty and possibly grind of the sharp corner all the way around to avoid further contact pressure and chipping.

The chip out of the mast base is also cosmetic. That is from rotating the mast when lowering. The edge of the casting has contacted the step post. Be sure the Wave mast stays straight fore/aft when stepping down the mast.

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

so the wave composite tips are epoxy??? not poly or vinylester??

I believe they are vinylester... as I recall. Just easy to fixt the putty with Epoxy.

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

One year later! Looks like I need a new comptip.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WpPNdrXH33fcVa5e8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/27iTrW2XTxw75Dkc9

I should add that a kite boarder came too close to me and got their kite rig hung up on my mast in high winds.

The damage here is proably from the tension put on the mast by me dragging the guy through the water until he could get out of his harness.


What is the procedure for separating the 2 pieces?

Are there any comptips available now since Hobie has a huge parts shortage?

Do you mean aluminum piece and comptip? Simply pull apart.

Got it thanks, I thought they were glued or bonded together, I have not tried separating them.

Can anyone speak about the Hobie sailboat parts? I heard they moved production to yet another another factory and no one knows when they will have parts? Any official statement from Hobie on this?

Wave comp tips are not available from any dealer I have spoken to.

I pulled the comp tip, would appreciate feedback.

Local dealer suggested a fiberglass repair on this.

Do you think it will be good to use this season?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RBGmohmRxkovCo9D8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w29ywfTDXhgY8rny6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tVdcroR6CkE7E5JUA

See if you can find an old all aluminum Hobie 14 mast (or whole boat) for sale in your area. They are the same profile as the Wave. Then cut it to length and relocate the mast tang to match the Wave location. Then you won’t have to deal with comptips anymore.

sm

I had a local fiberglass shop repair it and have sailed it for a week it ocean conditions and all seems well.