Loose mast step ball

The mast step ball on my HC 21SE is loose. I can easily pull it off the post by hand. The ball itself i a little worn but not too bad but the threads are no good. The top threads on the dolphin striker post are bad as well. Is this something that needs fixing or is it benign?

I have another mast ball that seems to be the right size but it has smaller threads. I guess I could drill that out a little and make new threads. Does anyone know what size threads those are?

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Hobie Cat 21SE #376

Just order the right ball part number 30110001

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Bill 404 21SE

It definitely needs to be fixed. If the ball pops off while raising or lowering the mast, the mast will come crashing down and could easily be damaged or injure someone. Sounds like the ball needs to be replaced. If the threads on the post are serviceable, I would run a die down them to clean them up. Otherwise the post will likely need to be replaced or devise an alternative way of connecting the ball to the post (like a roll pin through the ball and post). In any case, if the ball comes off the post, you’re in for a bad day, so make sure it is firmly attached.

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It is unlikely the post threads are damaged, or at least my threads weren't damaged when my 21SC lost it's ball. Definitely want to fix that though. The shroud extenders rely on the mast being captured by the ball.

Thank you all for you advice! A new ball will be ordered ASAP.

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Hobie Cat 21SE #376

I just replaced mine - easily available at your dealer. I ended up using teflon tape to make sure it wouldn't work loose.

Funny - I think my mast base is too worn, as the pin doesn't REALLY capture the mast on the ball. At least, not in the lowered position. Never have a problem beyond that, but when lowered, the mast COULD go on the ball with the pin in place.

Is that normal?

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ChuckC
H21SE- 408

I just tried to insert my loose ball into the mast and it would not go in with the pin in place.

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Hobie Cat 21SE #376

Uh, yikes...

I've got a spare and better check that out again...

Thanks for checking!

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ChuckC
H21SE- 408