Broke the bottom of the mast - should I replace it?

I normally keep my mast up all year around. It has been up for quite some time now but the other day I decided to take it down but did not do it correctly (mainly because I forgot). I didn't rotate the mast sideways while lowering and even forgot to take the pin out and of course broke the one side of the mast casting that holds one end of the pin.

My question is.... should I replace the cast part or is it still useable??

TIA

Matthew

It is likely usable, but would be more challenging / less safe to step. You can use a line from the crossbar to the mast to secure as a safety in case the casting popped off the ball again. Keep pushing forward (mast onto ball) when stepping to keep it engaged.

Get a new base if you are uneasy with the above technique.

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

Thank you Matt.

I kept the pin in all the time, thinking that it may help keep the mast from popping off the mast ball while sailing??

I just looked it up with a new mast base, rivets and rivet casings it's only $80 so might be worth it.

Matthew

Certainly the safer way.

The wires keep the mast on the ball when the rig is tensioned. If the rig was a little loose and you capsized in rough conditions... the ball "could" pop off, so having the pin in is good insurance. On the other hand, you risk damage to the base and the step post / ball if you do that again or a wire fails. Either way a mast coming down like that is a hazard!

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

I did the same thing the very first time I lowered the mast. I was able to repair it with some JB Weld, and it has held up to several days of sailing, but no capsizes. I did purchase a new mast base to install over the winter, but I've had the boat stored about 25 minutes away, outdoors, so I haven't made time to do the project yet.

_________________
Ken
2013 Hobie Getaway
Portland, Oregon

It is an easy repair. When I did mine I eschewed using the pop rivets and used stainless screws from the local hardware store. You have to "create" threads but the screws do that pretty well if sized correctly. I did that because it is easier to replace if it happens again.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II