[color:"orange"] [/color] A Hobie 16 parked right next to my Prindle 16 in the boat yard lost a clevis pin somehow and its mast fell between the Prindle's mast and a shroud. Fortunately, it came to a rest there. Unfortunately, the accident left a small but noticable bend in my mast at about 1/4 down from the top, tilting to port. Do you think that this minor bend will affect the Prindle's sailing performance significantly? Is it worth the trouble trying to have it repaired somehow? Please advise.

Hi Andrew,

If it is a small bend you may not realy notice any differance as when the mast rotates it will always bend to windward when sheeted.

If you are concerned, one option you could try is to put it between two trees (use planks of wood between mast and tree to protect and distribute load ie 4 planks about 3 foot long.) and walk with it in the opposite direction to bend. Be very carefull, slowly increase the distance each time and take your time..... also try and feel it.

I have broken one mast in the past using this method but it was quiet a large bend and I had nothing to loose. Now I can make a gaff rigged Tornado.

In principle, it's the Hobie dude's RESPONSIBILITY to fix or replace your mast. His lack of care and maintenance is now your problem.

the accident left a small but noticable bend in my mast

this is no accident, this is what happens when people are negligent

What if the negligent person was not the owner of the boat. I agree the owner of the H16 is still responsible but if someone else removed the clevis pin then the owner is not negligent.

What about swapping masts? Will the H16 mast work? Give the other guy the bent mast.

CD

I've got a 3 degree bend in my mast below the hounds. It straightens out under shroud tension, but I do think it has an effect on my mast rotation.

a Hobie mast will not work on a Prindle. It would be like putting a Chevy engine in a Porsche (all though I know it has been done). I knew there had to be some circumstances about this that would make it not cut and dry. Still I think it is the Hobie owner's fault. Unless he was not aware of the other person's action. Was the 'other person' stealing clevis pins?

most definitely, although I prefer the six conversion myself.

Dear Stephen,

Thanks for the information and encouragement. Yup, we have lots of trees in Florida, but I may just let it go. Like your sense of humor -- a gaff- [color:"orange"] [/color] rigged cat.

Dear Maugan and the Rest of the Respondents,

I appreciate your your observations and your comments. It will all work out in the end. [color:"orange"] [/color]