Sarge,

I have an older H16 with the new link kit and I haven`t encountered what you are experiencing, nor have I read about it. You have clearly identified that your stepping link has two holes, so I assume you know that for an H16 you use the hole marked 16... If that is what you are already doing than here are a few other things to think about.

-stepping link damaged/stretched...

-previous owner re-drilled one or more of the link holes in the ALUMINUM casting of either the mast base or step and now they don`t line up properly...can you compare your parts with other Hobies? - I have seen more than one mast base where the aluminum protrusion that normally accepts the link and pin has been broken off.

- either the step casting or mast base has been replaced with the wrong part#

Other than these, I cannot understand your troubles. Perhaps someone else can offer a different idea.

Good luck,

Dave