mast bearings falling out

Hi everyone. Im running a 2015 TI for about 6 months now. Loving this boat.

A recent problem that I am having is that the white plastic ball bearings for the furling mast are falling out. I have lost one.

Has anyone else had this problem?? Also, can anyone tell me where to by some replacement and spare bearings?

The bearings on my boat very easily pop in and out. Has something come loose?

Thanks!
Brian

I haven't experienced this with my 2015 TI yet, but it sounds like the bearing race has become loose or misshapen. Your dealer should be able to order replacement bearings.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

That's a problem that happens every so often to a few Island boats. In the past it seemed to be production tolerances but could also just be loose screws. Try using the search here at the forums and you'll find complaints, fixes and preventive measures for the future. See: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8149

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Ensuring the surfaces are level can go a long way to retaining your balls (giggle), but as they drop (giggle) out during times when the mast is NOT erectred (g), you should add something to hold them in.

Fortunately, the pool noodles with the centre hole have the perfect outside diameter, so just slice off a 3-4 inch long section, and squeeze it into the holder. Thei will hold them in nicely. Cut a few spares, as invariably, you will lose the odd one or two after erecting the mast.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

I shudder whenever I see an empty mast receiver. If the mast isn't in then pool noodle should be.
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=33198

I use my boat a lot (around 15 miles per week a lot of the year), and over time my balls get flat wear spots on them, and are able to fall out. You can order new balls from the dealers and the mail order places like ACK. When my balls start falling out, I typically take the screws out and file the bottom surface of the cover to make sure it is flat. I take the balls out and inspect and measure them with a micrometer, and replace only the bad ones every couple years.
If you keep them clean and free of sand, salt, and grit they last a lot longer. They are not expensive, and are easily replaced, I consider them to be one of those consumable items like air filters on your car that you have to replace once in a while.
Hope this helps
FE

Bob, you are doing it way too hard! Micrometers???? As Stringy says, if there is always either a mast or a pool noodle filling the hole, you could well argue that your balls could wear down quite considerably without any problems, and you can't lose any.

I urge everyone to grab a cheap pool noodle and cut off a 4 inch "sausage" with a breadknife (for a beautifully professional slice!) and fill the hole in the mast carrier (cut a spare while you are at it in case you lose one!)

Best $6 I ever spent!

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

I am new to TI boats so forgive the rookie question. If there is a chance the balls will fall out of the furling bearing if the mast is not in place while in the water, should I not keep a piece of noodle in there when I'm trailering from home to water and back?? I would think there is more vibration going over the road. So far I've been out about 12 times and twice without the mast in place. Wind is dying this time of year so we go out fishing more than sailing and I don't want to experience any problems, hence I'll keep the noodle in place unless I step the mast. Thanks for your thoughts.

On my ti the only time the bearings fall out is when they get flat spots worn/rubbed, if the bearings get flat spots, then it's a good time to replace them. Otherwise it's not likely for them to come out. I trailer a lot and have never had a problem on the road with balls falling out unless the are worn.
FE

Let's not overstate the problem (fusioneng is an engineer, and overthinking things is what engineers are trained to do. ) Realistically, the ONLY time any balls might fall out is (a) if they are worn from a lot of saiing, or (b) while being bounced around on the highway. The balls will not fall out when using it in kayak mode, or sitting at the water's edge waiting for the mast to go in.

It s so simple to just insert the noodle whenever the mast is not using the hole.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Yea as an engineer I tend to over analyze things. The pool noodle won't hurt a thing.
FE

Thanks everybody!!! i found my balls and now have a noodle in place. gonna hit the water today!

I found a better (for me) solution than a noodle. Made a sail support that goes in the mast hole. It is PVC pipe, just smaller than the opening. On the top is a PVC saddle, that supports the mast/sail. Add a bungie and you are ready to trailer.