Stepping questions & Rigging.

As per the H14 assembly guide at
http://static.hobiecat.com/2010_archive/support/pdfs/e_h14manual.pdf

It shows a mast pivot bearing going under the mast. Is this on all H14s or only the older models? Mine is missing but my mast does rotate nicely after I get the mast up. (incredible how tall the mast is for this size boat!) Talk about high aspect ratio!

Also when raising the mast, I have noticed the assembly manual (noted above) and the mast step link document http://static.hobiecat.com/2010_archive/support/pdfs/21380001.pdf show 2 different methods of raising the mast.

Was the step link introduced on the later models to facilitate raising the mast? Mine doesn't work so well, one of the pins is bent in a nice V that one has to wrestle in and out (those little ring keepers kill your fingernails too!) the hole on the mast seems to line up between the "16" and 14" mark on the step link which probably led to the bent pin.

On my first attempt to raise the mast, my forstay was too short to make up with the bridals. I had to lower it again and readjust the side shrouds 2 holes longer for the forestay to just make up on the longest hole. I assume the line running to the bridals and forestay and that jams on the front crossbar is used to adjust mast rake and forstay tension on the fly?

I just want to make sure this is right, I don't want to lose the mast on my first sail! How much does a mast pivot bearing usually go for?

I am still looking for a main sail too! Thanks much!
Toby

Toby
I believe that the main function of the mast pivot bearing is to stop the ball at the bottom of the mast and the mast step from wearing away too quickly from rotation. I don't think the bearing are very expensive. Also if you put a lot of rack on the mast, it may not be able to turn very easily without the bearing.

The cheapest bering you can get is 10 cents. All you do is put a dime in the base of the mast and that will slow the wear down. My dad own a 16 years back and thats what he did and thats what i do with my hobie.

Mark
H-14