A chip in my mast base (with pictures), can I still sail?

Hi all,

I'm not sure how this happened, but, when we took the mast down yesterday, we noticed a chip in the mast base, and the Pin was bent. (I'm sure it was something we did).

The chip looks like this:


Can I still sail like this?

I think this is minor. It looks like the mast base contacted the dolphin striker rod, maybe the mast wasn't rotated fully when you first started lowering it.

As long as the casting isn't cracked and the mast is adequately retained by the mast step ball, I would say it should be OK. I would just take a Dremel tool or round file and smooth over any sharp edges.

sm

Hard to verify from pic, but I might be seeing a hairline crack in the center of the chipped area going aft. Your friendly mom n pop weld/machine shop or tool supply has Magnaflux spray that will show it if you suspect a crack. Also could dial in a bunch of downhaul next set-up and see if it widens.

_________________
Hobie 17 Newbie

Sail with it until the replacement part arrives.