I think the ball wasn't bottomed out all the way. Unscrewed it self a bit from mast rotation? The ball should be tightened all the way down so the threads aren't carrying any weight. I don't think the threads can handle the pressure from the mast pushing down when loaded. Mine just stripped out. New ball and a little epoxy, shouldn't be a problem again.

On the FXone/Tiger there is a pin that you are supposed to put through the bottom of the mast cup that keeps the ball captive. If you're like me and don't pay attention to which way you rotate the mast comeing down you can't get the pin out. Pain in the butt, tieing off a line is much easier I think.

I think Hobie Cat USA is making their own balls now. I had read on a thread somewhere that this has happened before with the HCE balls. BALLS.