how should mast fit into base?

hello,
i have just purchased a second hand hobie 14 to take my 8 and 4 year old out. Its about 10 years old.
We have used it twice. On the last occassion i noticed that where the mast fits into the egg cup type thing that the msat does not seem to sit low enough into the recess and the shoulders on the mast ride up over the shoulders of the cup as the wind pressure increase. ( the mast roates what looks like too far around so that the boom is at an angle to it and the sail is twisted.)

would The teflon/plastic "bearing" in the bottom of the cup be doing anything.

thanks for any advice
zamp

Sounds to me like the cat was used without a mast bearing cup for an extended period and has caused wear until it no longer operates as intended. If that is the case a new mast step (ie "egg cup type thing") is probably needed, along with a new mast bearing. It's possible the mast base needs to be replaced too. Hard to say without pictures though, so ........

"( the mast roates what looks like too far around so that the boom is at an angle to it and the sail is twisted.)" This is likely normal rotation as long as it is hitting the stops.

_________________
1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

If the base is too high... the bearing may be too thick? Also possible that the rotation stops are worn which allows it to jump over the stop, but sounds like the base does not sit deep enogh. That is a thick bearing or the post is pushing up through the step casting. The stainless post should be flush with the bottom radius of the step cup.

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

There have been minor changes to these parts to allow for more mast rake and beefier stops right? No idea on the details, just a thought. The problem may lie here? Really no idea myself but would look into it.

I know on my hobie if I rake the mast too far back it will jump the badly worn stops. With out it raked stupid stupid far back though it really doesn't have this problem. Original 1982 mast step on my boat.

As far as "how should" it fit... no idea. I've seen these things work at any angle you can imagine. I've even seen a club with masts raked so far back the booms were dragging on the rear cross bars.