Hobie 16 Comp Tip Loose

I have an 80's model Hobie 16. The joint where the comp tip joins the aluminum mast is loose. There are a number of rivets in the joint. Is the correct fix to drill out and replace the rivets or is this joint also attached with an epoxy that should be replaced as well. I would appreciate any info on the best way to make this repair. Thanks.

Rivets and epoxy will be needed.

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

Is there a specific type of epoxy and rivet to be used? Also, is there anywhere i can find instructions on how to correctly accomplish this repair? Thanks you very much for the help.

Installation instructions:

https://static.hobiecat.com/item_attachments/10582100_20611100_60611100_92580131z147.pdf

I always use automotive bondo.

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

Thank you very much.

When i read the instructions sent above, the only reference to rivets i see is for attaching the tang. It seems from the instructions that the epoxy or bondo is the primary bond between the mast and comp tip. My mast has a number of rivets that hold the 2 together. Do i need to reinstall these rivets? I am wondering if a previous owner tried to repair the loose joint with rivets when he should have used exoxy.

What year is the boat? Very early generation comptips were different than the final version. The early comptip was a little shorter and was above the mast tang, held in with a bolt through the mast. The later version starts right above the mast tang and the ferrule of the comptip extends into the tang area, so the mast tang rivets also hold the comptip in. If you have the early version (mid-1980’s), then it’s very possible someone added some extra rivets to try to stiffen it up.

Either way, if the tip is sloppy, then shimming with epoxy is the way to go. Personally, I would use West Systems six10 epoxy. Very easy to work with since it is pre-thickened and can be dispensed with a caulk gun. It will give you much more working time than bondo, which could kick off in only a few minutes, before you get the comptip fully inserted and positioned where you want it.

sm

SRM is correct. The very first CompTips were installed above the tang as an easier retrofit idea. This quickly changed and the production version has the aluminum cut off just above the tang and the tang rivets go into the comptip.

If the comptip you have is the old type... epxoy for sure. Rivets would be nice insurance.

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

Thank you both for the help.