I have a 1994 Hobie 16 and I can't get the teflon chip to stay in place on the mast step of this boat. When I step the mast I make sure that the chip is centered under the mast, but during the course of sailing the chip always manages to work its way back (toward the trampoline) so that it is way of center. As a result, when I go to lower the mast, the mast step pin will no longer align easilly with the "16" hole on on the mast step link and I have to use a hammer to tap it into either the 14 or 16 hole depending on how badly off center the chip is. This seems to happen every time regardless of whether or not I flip, how strong the wind is, etc. This boat is my 3rd Hobie 16 and I never had this problem with either of my previous two boats and I'm not doing anything differently. On my previous boats I would use the same chip for months and it always took to the shape of the mast base and stayed wedged securely and centered in place. With this boat, The chips slide off center and get shredded up with each sail. Any suggestions? Thank you.

If you have the boat at home, try and put the chip in hot water to make it more flexible and then use an object to force it into the mast base on the front crossbar. A large screw driver with a round head on the handle has worked for me.

Hobie makes a chip that is supposed to hold its place in the center of the cup. You have to drill a hole in the cup for it though. It's also more expensive.

I have also heard/read that you can drill a few small dimples in the mast cup and that the compression of the mast will force the teflon into the dimples securing it in place.

As for the step-link, I feel your pain. I often have to bend mine back to where I can get the pin through.

Offset the chip towards the front of the step when stepping the mast. As the mast goes up the chip will slide into the proper place.

there is a good forum at the hobie site, or perhaps you can contact Matt Miller (from this forum), he is a Hobie employee and knows "stuff".

Thank you for all the repsonses. I'll try out these suggestions until something finally works.

Hi
When I had an H16 many years ago I kept the mast chip in place with chewed up chewing gum. The biggest problem before I did this was the chip used to blow away in the wind while rigging.
Blu tack also works
When the teflon one wore out I cut some circlular pieces from an ice cream container lid.Worked just as well.

Hope this helps

Go Gecko
New Zealand