I have a 2000 Hobie 20, the mast tang does not sit completely flush to the mast along all sides. It appears lifted on one side, and several of the rivets can be seen from between the mast and the tang in this "space" that shouldn't be there.

I've heard stories that the tang can be difficult make seat flush with the mast when reinstalling and riviting.



Any suggestions for removing and reinstalling tang so it seats properly? Any clamps needed? Sealant?



Paul

Hey Stranger,



If it looks structurally sound, I'd say, don't worry about it. If you're worried about leaking, slap some 3M 5200 Marine Grade adhesive (black to match the mast) on there, and you'll never worry about leaking again!



Good luck, stranger!



Tim J.

I'm on my second H20 and have seen this separation occur on both. I also helped Mike Hill (the one from St. Louis) drill holes and install through bolts on his after quite a bit of separation began to occur.



Just thought I'd throw that out there.

I've reriveted my tang only because the comptip was starting to lean back "out of column". Make sure you buy the "top hat" shaped seal caps that insert into the rivet holes before you rerivet or you will have a mast full of water next time you flip over. Straightening out your comptip is a chapter in it's self, just to pull the mast and comptip apart.

I've had this happen to two masts on the H20. I through bolted both of them. The bottom two rivots start to pull out and then you see spider cracks. The next thing that happens is that you yank the hook off if you don't fix it. I've seen the hook yanked off two boats.



Here is my simple fix.



Buy a #10 bolt from West Marine about 5 inchs long. Get a couple of washers for the back so that you disperse the load against the comptip. I used two washers and bent the bigger one to conform to the comptip. Drill the hole with a 3/16" bit between the bottom two rivots that are pulling out the worst. Go all the way through the mast with the drill. Make sure that you are coming out on the other end where it won't interfere with the mast track. Put A bunch of RTV or 5200 on it and cinch it up. Cut off the excess bolt with a hack saw and file the edges to get rid of any sharpness.



That's it. About a half hour fix and you never have the problem again. Maybe I should suggest this to Hobie since it is so common.



Mike Hill

H20 #791