Why do I keep bending the mast stepping pin on my Wave?

This is twice now I have done this. When I first got my Wave I was lowering the mast and the mast base popped off of the ball while the pin was still inserted. I then had to use pliers to pull the pin out of the mast base because the pin had slightly bent. I straightened it out as best I could with a hammer but it wouldn't hold the mast base on the ball while lowering the mast. It kept on bending again.

I ordered a new stepping pin. After raising and lowering the mast several times I couldn't pull the stepping pin out because it developed a slight bend. The mast base didn't pop off the ball this time, but I am sure that is next. I needed pliers to get the pin out. I can't push it back in with just my fingers.

What is going on here?

Proper alignment of the mast when raising/lowering...

The Wave does require a mast pin, especially when stepping the mast. The most likely reason you're bending the pin is because the mast is not rotated, as shown on the mast decals, correctly. That's assuming the ball is the correct size and the mast base, etc. has not be somehow modified.

I am stepping the mast with the front of the mast facing forward.

Before I raise the mast, I clip the front side of the halyard to the mast support on the trailer.

Once I have the mast raised, I push the mast forward with my shoulder and tighten the halyard before clearing the halyard so I can attach the forestay.

If I do this too hard could this be the problem?

I just went outside to take a look at it. There is a decal on the starboard side of the mast that says to align the arrows when lowering the mast. That leads me to believe that lowering the mast is more critical than raising the mast. I am pretty sure the mast is aligned correctly when I raise it, but I can't remember for sure if it is aligned correctly when I lower it.

Oh well, I guess another stepping pin. I should buy them by the case.

Give it a go with the arrows (on the mast and crossbar) aligned and your problem will go away.

Will the mast base be held onto the ball when the arrows are aligned, so that it can't pop off? That is basically when the luff track is facing rearwards or downwards as the mast is raised or lowered.

Tarzan, I've edited my previous posts. I had a similar problem to yours years ago but after looking at the manual, I'll retract my previous statements. While my previous statements may work for me, I can see how someone can get hurt stepping without the pin.

The very most important thing to keep from bending is to make sure those arrows stay aligned. That's the key.

Thanks guys. I will see if I can straighten the stepping pin with a hammer and order another one if I can't. I will let you know if I am successful at keeping the arrows aligned and not bending my stepping pin again.

Aligning the arrows causes the mast to be centered... with the track facing aft. The base casting has a slot that aligns with the step ball's post. You should not be able to get the ball into the base in any other position. As the mast is raised... it can rotate at some point as the post is no longer in the slot.

When you lower, you must rotate the mast to align the base with the post and slot. as you come down, the base / slot aligns with the post.

It is possible to be slightly out of alignment as the post enters the slot... the threads catch on the base casting's slot and chatter... this can cause the mast to pop/pry off the ball or bend the pin. Look for chips out of the casting and file them smooth.

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

There is definitely a small gouge in the ball. It will be hard to file up inside of the mast base. I will see what I can feel.

Are you saying that as I lower the mast it should rotate into correct position all by itself!

Not at all. It requires some effort to keep the mast straight.

It is when it rotates a little that the threads of the post can catch on the casting and dig into it... that has the effect of prying the mast off the ball.

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

I don't know what you mean by threads on the post. The ball screws onto the front of the boat, but there are no exposed threads on it. The mast base slips over that. Where are the threads you are referencing?

My bad... that is an issue on all the other step systems (exposed threads), so was referencing history in that thinking. Same issue applies though. If not aligned with the post as the mast comes down it may be leveraging in some way.

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

Keeping the mast correctly aligned, per the arrows on the decals, could possibly prevent breaking the mast base casting. The mast is a giant lever and can exert a great deal of pressure.