Saturday after racing, with boats tied up on the beach at Lake Townsend, a storm rolled in. It picked up Joleen's Isotope and tossed it upside down on top of a Hobie 16 and then dragged both boats across a cement ramp. Although the Isotope came out on top, both boats were damaged.

The isotope mast broke and the boat has some fiberglass damage. The Hobie forestay broke, the mast is dented and slightly bent. The masthead cap pulled off the comptip, breaking it out where it was riveted.

We know how to fix the Isotope, but I have some questions about the Hobie 16. How long is a H16 forestay supposed to be? I can make a new one out of 1/8" wire or Amsteel. Is there a preferred material? Should I reglass the end of the comptip and reinstall the masthead sheave bracket in the existing holes, or can I just drill new holes and rivet in different locations? What size dent and how much s-bend can a H16 tolerate? I've been looking around for a replacement mast. Does anybody know where I might be able to pick up a decent one at a reasonable price?

I haven't priced a new Isotope mast extrusion yet. If it's much more than I recall, then I might just part the boat out (or another one that I have). The Hobie 16 is a borrowed boat, and we feel obligated to repair it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

They were auctioning off H16 parts last weekend at Cat Fest at Lake Norman Yacht Club in NC. I know there was a mast, not sure if it was bought or beat with a sledge hammer. The sails went for like $60....

Hi Eric,

The forestay length of the Hobie 16 depends on what kind of jib halyard system they had. If they have a wire jib halyard (old stock system), then the forestay is 17'6". It can be either 1/8" 7x19 or 1x19 wire.

If they have the Aussie system (with a synthetic halyard), then the forestay is 18' 9 3/4" of 1/8" 7x19 wire.

You shouldn't use a synthetic replacement, since this wire holds the mast up when the sails are off and the rig is loose. Chafe would be a problem.

The mast head fitting can be replaced and re-riveted with new holes - no need to repair the blown out holes unless there is damage running down the mast.

As for the mast extrusion, if it's not too badly bent, you can try to straighten it (use a couple of closely spaced, good-sized trees). Dents are more problematic. Pictures would help with the diagnosis.

There's a "looking to buy" section in the Hobie Community Forums (http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=10) that gets a surprising amount of action. You'll need to register for the forum before you can post.

Of course, you can hit all the other sources - Craigslist, TheBeachcats.com, etc. Hobie 16 parts are pretty easy to find, even masts.

There is an isotope here for $175. It's a hodge podge of parts but if the mast extrusion is correct it may be worth it.

Ditto. And since the forestay is loose when the jib is up and tensioned, there WILL be chafing of the slack forestay, even if an extra chain plate and shock cord are used.

Good luck with the repairs. Let's see some pics!

Mike

Eric check your PM.