Nick,

The 45 degree measurement is interesting and great to know. Do you know if the same figure applies to the H16? This could help for those repairing worn stops.


Dave

I am not a fan of welding on aluminum castings such as those found on a Hobie. There is just too high a probability that it will damage the casting in some way. This is mostly due to the heat applied during the welding process.

My advice on how to fix a worn mast base and mast step is to just buy new ones. You will get components that are set up for the proper mast rotation and will not have to worry about any damage that might have accured to the castings.

I am not saying that they are impossible to weld, but that you really need to know what you are doing when welding aluminum.

Nick,

My knowledge of welding, though limited, is certainly in agreement with your concerns on aluminum.

However, I have made (been making) a sort of cap (or shoe) from 2mm stainless steel that form fits (as a single piece) over the stops and will screw into place. It looks professional and neat. In my case, there is enough of the original stops remaining so that I can replicate the original angles.

I was just curious as to the measurements.


Dave

Dave,

I was just given an older H16 yesterday after work (long story). I looked at the mast base and mast step to check out the wear. I had the same thought you did... put a cap over the stops. I thought of gluing one in place.

I'm not sure of the numbers, but I might be able to go to my local Hobie dealer and take a look at a set to see what the new parts yield as far as rotation angle is concerned. I need to spend my boat allowance on other more imortant items before I replace these.

On second thought it may be easier to ask the question on the Hobiecat website forum.

Nick,

I cut/traced some paper templates to design a simple solution/cap for this - pretty easy stuff.

I do think I will have to tap into the cast to recieve 3 to 5 small stainless bolts. Then I will use a metal epoxy like JB Weld to backfill any voids between the stainless part and the cast. I do not think any adhesive on earth could secure this fix for even a single day on the water.

Dave

I know there are adhesives used in small planes for bonding metals. But, I really don't want to pay that much for some glue.

After I started thinking about this I came to the conclusion that I could use some shour head socket head cap screws; one on each side of the mast step. This would only take drilling and tapping two holes. And, it may even allow some fine tuning/adjustment in the mast rotation. The trick is to find a thread that can handle the impacts without stripping the hole.

I gues I could always make a spacer that has a counterbored hole in the center to accept the SHCS and protect the screw from the impact loads.

I did see a guy on the Hobie forums who has a mast step for sale cheap.