H16 Comptip / Tang Rivits

I'm getting ready to replace a cracked comptip with a new one on a 2005 H16. I've been reading the message boards about different methods used to drill out the rivits, pull out the old comptip by heating it and applying brute force to pull it apart.

I have a couple of questions:
1. The rivits sent to me by Hobie appear to be 3/16 SS rivits with caps.
The original rivits on the old comptip look more substantial but seem to be the same size across the top of the rivit. Are the old (original) ones monel? Should I be using monel since it is a very high tension spot? I don't even know if I could pop a monel rivit with a hand gun vs. pneumatic.

2. I also read on the boards about stainless steel rivits and aluminum galvanic corrosion. Some people use a sealant and others use some sort of tape to keep corrosion at a minimum. I sail the Atlantic so some corrosion is gonna happen anyway. What is the preferred method to ward off corrosion?

I look forward to your advice about all of the above, and if you have any last words before I launch into this dreaded task I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks in advance.
wetasse

Hey Wet,

To get the comptip out, get yourself a good quality Cobalt 3/16 drill. Don't get the 'pilot point' Dewalt drills, they snag on the rivet and break every time. Drill out all of the rivets and pull off the tang. Break out the torch and evenly heat the extrusion until you see the glue start to get soft. Shouldn't take much heat--around 150-170F +or-. GO EASY! Remember the comptip extends about 8" into the extrusion and is glued it's entire length. Below that there is a foam plug that is better not to get the torch near. Then work the comptip out of the extrusion. Wiggling works well. You may have to tie the base of the mast onto something solid so you can put some force into it. In the extreme case, I have drilled a 3/4 inch hole through the comptip about a foot from the tip and threaded a line through. Then I tied it to the bumper of my truck. You shouldn't have to do that since your boat is a 2005.

Install

Use the rivets that you received, they're probably right. Hobie doesn't even stock any other rivets in that length that I know of. Part # should be 8010181.

The proper installation should be Mast-Cap-Hardware-Rivet. I usually install the cap with a dab of silicone and the rivet in the cap with a dab of Lanocte. I also put a film of Lanocote on the back side of the hardware where it contacts the mast. I have used the insulative tape like comes stock, but oftentimes the tape will still be on the mast so I just douse the hardware with Lanocote.

What glue are you using?

Someone told me bondo works. I'm skeptical as bondo gets brittle. Another guy told me 5200. Good luck getting that sucker out if you ever have to. I use thickened epoxy. The epoxy that comes with the comptip install kit is the perfect stuff. It remains slightly rubbery, yet makes a tremendous bond. And, if need be you can heat it up with a torch to about 160F and it comes apart.

Dry fit the comptip before you start mixing any epoxy. You may have to file a bit on the comptip. It should be snug, so don't go crazy.

Hope that helps.

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Jeremy,
Thanks for the quick response. That is the best step-by-step instruction for comptip removal I've found so far.

To answer a couple of your questions... the epoxy I was sent is only identified as RESINLAB EP1225 BLACK. It's a 2 part epoxy in a neat little package that another Hobie dealer sent to me.

I previously read that Matt Miller perfers automotive Bondo because it is thick and does not flex. I bet there are at least three other opinions about what to use.

Regarding the 5200 product, I've read that it's a fairly permanent glue that is fearless in the flame of a blowtorch. You won't want to replace a comptip glued with 5200, from what I've read.

I have never heard of the Lanocote product that you mentioned but I assume that West Marine probably has it.

Thanks again for your response and your reassurance that with the right tools and technique...anything can be accomplished.

wetasse

The Resinlab is the ticket! It cures fast, so be ready to go! Let it warm up before mixing it otherwise it's a little thick and hard to thoroughly mix.

As far as Lanocote, you can usually find it at big box marine. Although last time I checked they had discontinued it. Should be back now due to my persistent bugging of the CEO (My friend who also sails cats BTW). It's good to have a little can of the stuff laying around.

Good Luck! Take it slow and you'll be fine.

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