Has anyone experienced their H16 mast chips being completely destroyed after about two weeks of use? I used to be able to re-use these chips for several two-week periods before replacing them. Now during 2 wks of use, flattened pieces of the chip (like bits of thick paper) appear around the edges of the mast base, some still attached to the chip. The mast still turns without grinding. After de-masting for travel, the remains of the chip are pretty sorry looking. These chip are the white Hobie brand but they are about 5 years old.

Any ideas?

Mark Owens
1976 H16 sail # 19857

Mine seem to last for YEARS. I've not heard of this problem, before. Could you be tightening your forstay and shrouds so tight, the mast is pressing down and forcing them out? Could they be DEFECTIVE? Weird...

Hey

If you think 2 weeks is bad try this, i went to race at the NSW Austrailan youth title and well i went through a chip and it was only over 2 days!!!!!!!!!!! yes 2 days!!!!

The thing is is its not in straight it wont wont to stay and it was grind like nothing else trust me. Rig tention also has a lot to do with it but i noticed that only increases the time it lasts for so dont over use rig tention but if it is heavy winds not only your pushing the boat harder your also using the chip up faster so unless it gets worse than 2 weeks dont worry. The mast bass also has to be a good round shape that is a good one.

At the moment im using my chips up from 2 weeks to a month and thats racing ever weekend and sometimes when i can during the week and i dont go soft on my boat so i use it up heaps quick. So just try things around and have fun.

Sail fast and have fun!!!

From Julian

Thanks for the info guys! If anything my stays & shrouds are on the loose side. I will try sanding and polishing the mast base so it is real smooth. It may have a rough spot currently. I also read about "seating" new chips by pushing forward hard on the upright mast after inserting the chip, then removing the mast to check that the chip is properly centred and indented. I wonder if a dab of vaseline would help by providing extra lubrication? I suppose it would attract sand though. Does anyone know of any aftermarket, heavy duty chips?

Mark Owens
1976 Hobie H16 sail # 19857

Murrays sells a pre-contoured Delrin Mast step bearing. I think you have to drill an indention into the mast step to snap the bearing in place. It's self centering this way. It's supposed to really outlast the teflon, but at 5 bucks a bearing it ought to.

The centering the chip is really important but what i do is raise the mast and get my crew to put the chip in while i lift the mast out of the spot! Risky if the crew doesn't help!!!