New Old Comptip

The mast on my 16 has a slight bow to it which drives me crazy. I’m looking to replace it and have come across some potential candidate all-aluminum masts. I also know someone with a new old comptip which I could acquire and install. Only (potential) issue is that this is one of the very early comptips, which were a few inches shorter than the later comptips. It installs above the mast tang and doesn’t use the tang rivets to hold it in.

Other than needing to make sure that I account for the shorter tip (I’ll use my existing mast to establish the necessary overall length), is anyone aware of any issues or problems with using one of these original comptips? I would plan to use this mast for racing.

sm

Bump.

Any old salts (Matt Miller?) have any insight on this? Are there any design flaws or specific reasons why I should NOT install an old-style comptip? I picked up a decent all-aluminum mast and I have a lead on a never installed original production comptip. Just wondering if there was something inherently wrong with the version that installed above the mast tang.

sm

I know Hobie (I was working for a dealer... not the factory at the time) only used that tip for a very short period. I assume they wanted the installation for retrofits to be easier but soon went to the version used today on all. I know of no real problems or benefits to the early version.

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

Great, thank you for your response and insight.

sm

I recall installing both versions back when I worked at a dealer as well but like Matt said I don't know of any issues.

One thing I do remember is that 16 comptips always required a lot of filing or sanding to get a customized fit. I am sure that is good for getting a tight fit but there was a lot of black dust.