Hobie 18 Mast Step Issues

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I have a 1985 Hobie 18. The pin which secures the mast hinge to the mast step casting while sailing is a problem for me, and I would like to know if this is an issue engineered into the boat or is I have a unique problem:

It appears as though the hole which passes through the mast hinge is 5/16". It accepts a 5/16" x 3" pin perfectly. The hole which passes through the mast step casting also has a 5/16" hole drilled into it. However, it appears as though the mast step post intrudes on the pin hole in the mast step casting. I can only fit a 1/4" pin though the mast base due to this intrusion.



Is this by design? The reason I ask is because I am concerned about it. The 1/4" pins I use to secure the mast hinge to the base frequently get bent or come close to falling out because it is a 1/4" pin in what looks like a 5/16" hole...is there an issue with my boat or is this the design? If this is an issue is there some part or kit from Hobie that will correct it?

You are removing the mast step pin before sailing, right? The pin is only supposed to be inserted when raising and lowering the mast. Otherwise, it should be removed so that the mast can rotate freely.

The stock mast step pin is 1/4" and yes, there is supposed to be slop between the pin and the hole. This is to allow for misalignment between the holes in the mast step hinge and the mast base. Even with a 1/4" diameter pin, removing and inserting the pin can be difficult when the weight of the mast is down on the step. We often use a long screwdriver with about a 3/16" diameter shaft in place of the stock 1/4" pin. The screwdriver is much easier to remove than the pin.

sm

my base also has the dolphin striker post intruding on the hole. figured it was normal and use a smaller diameter pin.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Me, too. It's a drag getting the pin in and out. I've tried replacing the rivets on the step figuring they were loose and had something to do with it but that didn't work, so I just deal with it.

You can get the pin out? There is so much tension on that pin after the mast is raised that I can't remove it. I sailed with the new 1/4" pin twice this week and it's already bent. I will try the screwdriver idea.

The pin must be removed or the mast will not rotate. I have seen a crossbar twisted from this, there is a lot of force on the mast to rotate. I find that the pin must be pulled before the rig is tightened or the sails raised. By shaking the mast back and forth or lifting on it the pin will pull out. A screwdriver is a good tool as well since the handle makes it easier to pull out.
DO NOT LEAVE THE PIN IN!!!!!!!!!

Used my 81 H18 yesterday-1st time in 22 years. Lost my mast pin and used something from HD. It stuck, but I had a small screwdriver and hammer and was able to easily tap out the stuck pin. When it was time to drop the mast, I used the screwdriver instead - it worked fine.

First thing I'd like to know is if your mast bearing is really worn and needs replaced, because that can be a source of hole misalignment...... if you are using a new or at least unworn mast bearing and are still having alignment problems, take the bearing screw out and place teflon chips under the half sphere mast bearing which will jack up the whole mast when it is the raised position and give you a better hole alignment. I am able to use a standard mast pin..put it in and out by hand, and haven't bent it in the last 10 years. The problem is not inherent in the design. Really, try the chips under the mast bearing...cheap and easy to do, you can use 16 mast base chips, just drill a hole in the center for the mast bearing retaining bolt..

I used a screwdriver and it worked great no more bent $15 pins and I get my rotating wing-mast back thanks guys.

The dolphin striker post will intrude into the pin hole if it is not aligned. Loosen the striker and twist it until the recess milled into the post aligns with the pin hole in the mast base then tighten.
JT

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Enjoy every sandwich- Zevon

Just checking again. You are pulling the pin/screwdriver before you sail correct??

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1984 Hobie 18

Yes, but I still don't know how you guys get that pin out. Like a previous poster recommended I replaced my mast bearing and added the Teflon disk and it didn't help. Even with my shouds and forestay nice and loose and my crewmate moving the mast around, that pin is not budging.

I have been using a long, thin gauge screw driver like another poster suggested. What I do is after raising the mast I get a hammer and tap the business end of the screw driver then grab the handle end and yank and it comes free.

I've bent pins, lost pins, sailed with the pin in and no mast rotation...frustrating. The screwdriver is the only thing that works.

Thanks again for all the info guys.

Somehow I missed this post. I didn't know there was a recess milled into the post. I am going to take apart the assembly tomorrow and see if I can line things up.

There is no recess for a pin in the striker post when new. It is possible someone drilled the hole larger (cutting into the post), but the posts are free to rotate and this could move. I suspect that the step pin being used may be too large. The hole in the casting may also be too close to the post, but can be enlarged slightly.

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

Oh I see, okay thanks for the info.

I will just keep using the screwdriver and leave the whole assembly alone. The screwdriver works great for me.