Hobie 16 mast hinge issues

I have tried the Hobie version and the Murray version, and both failed by the second mast raising. Any idea what I am doing wrong or if there is a better product out there? The pins keep bending. On the Hobie version, the body of the hinge fell apart.

The mast base and mast step were designed to be under compression when sailing NOT tension from improper mast stepping. You have to make sure that the ball of the mast base NEVER rides up on the forward lip of the mast step when stepping the mast. If it does, there is so much leverage there that your mast base and possibly mast step and mast step link may fail.

If someone is helping you step the mast have them make sure that the ball on the bottom of mast base stays above the socket of the mast step. If stepping the mast solo, use the push/pull method (top hand pushing the mast up (from the shoulder position) and the other hand pulling the lower section of the mast backwards). This method will make sure that the mast base's ball always lands in the mast step properly.

Also make sure you are using the H16 hole of your mast step link for a H16 (and not the H14 hole). I use a Phillips screwdriver to pin the mast step link to the mast base. The handle of the Phillips screwdriver and tapered point make it easy to put it in or pull it out. Also, the bright colored handle makes it harder for you to forget to install it (before stepping) or remove it (after stepping).

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

Thank you Tim H16...what you are saying makes perfect sense. I will put it to the test and see if I can make it happen as you outlined.

skybolter,

I have been using the same Murray's step link for over 10 years on my previous 82H16 and on my current 84H16 and never had a problem with it. On both of these boats I had installed the newer style Hobie mast base and mast step (for more mast rake, etc.). I leave the Murray's step link on the mast step all the time using the SS bolt, spacer and nylock (that came with it).

After stepping the mast or before lowering the mast, you may have to use one hand to pull down some on the taut forestay (to make the mast pivot forward more), in order to make it easier to pull out or push in the step pin (Phillips screwdriver) with the other hand.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

FWIW: I use the Hobie hinge but kept having the kit-supplied bolt and/or pin bend, so this is what I've been doing for years: Phillips screwdriver (No. 2, I think) at the mast base like Tim H16. Solid clevis pin (largest that will fit...it's larger than the one with the kit) at the mast step. The pin is attached to the hinge with a ring ding and lanyard so those two will stay together. Also, I completely remove the hinge while sailing so that it does not inadvertently get bent by hanging up in the rotating mast base.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

I have never had issues with the Hobie step link, so it should be good. I also use a #2 Phillips!

The real key is getting it to fit properly in the socket when raising the mast. I try to get the nose of the boat pointing down while raising the mast, either with beach wheels under the sterns or just pointing it down at the beach. The advantage is that when making the transition the ball is more over the socket and less likely to bind. Also, the mast almost supports itself leaning forward and held up by the side shrouds. I would never recommend it to anyone else, but I can jump down and pin my own forestay in good conditions.

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"