damaged mast base

In lowering the mast last time, my crew brought it down at a bit of an angle. This resulted in scraping off about 2mm of the metal around one of the holes for the pin at the base. The hole is still very much intact but I am concerned about the integrity. Any thoughts on this? It doesn't seem that when sailing, this will be much of an issue but I would like an answer from the guys in the know (that's all you).

Thanks

This is not an issue while sailing... only while stepping the mast.

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

Thanks for the response. Just so I understand the physics of it, the reason it is not an issue is because the raised mast is held in place by the shrouds and forestay, and there would be no pressure on the pin at all except during raising and lowering, correct? I know it sounds obvious but just want to make sure. Thanks for your patience.

Why can't we get back to the old Hobie mast base and be able to raise the mast without getting them sideways.

I understand that some folks had problems with the old H16 mast raising bracket, but it sure beat the current funky sideways business!

Simplicity wins. You've got some bright engineers down there at Hobie; can't they work on solving this?

I find sideways to be easier. It is harder to hold the mast with the track in your hand. Far easier to hold the side and the mast want to rotate to the side anyway. People damage the base and ball on the Wave mast because they rotate rather than hold it straight. There is no perfect way.

Other issue is the height / size of the base casting. It would have to be much larger / taller to step straight aft.

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