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stepping link (14 /16)

Posted By: grog

stepping link (14 /16) - 09/26/11 02:53 AM

I have a 1979 16 ft Hobie- I have the stepping link installed proper;y as in the manual- when the mast is raised the only hole that the pin fits in is the "14" hole. Not problem coming down with the mast but when raising the mast the base is too far ahead and take a heck of a jerk to pull it back so it drops into the socket -Ive tried the 16 hole but cant get the pin out once the mast has been raised as the pin Has the weight of the mast on it!! Has anyone else had a problem like this - any suggestions
Posted By: hobie1616

Re: stepping link (14 /16) - 09/26/11 03:32 AM

Jerking it back is pretty much the norm.

Are you putting a piece of plastic in the cup to act as a bearing surface? If not that may be why the mast is down low. Plus, your mast won't rotate very well.
Posted By: Flip57

Re: stepping link (14 /16) - 02/18/12 06:23 AM

I have a 2009 hobie 16 and the same thing happens even with the plastic disk under the mast. I have to insert my plyers in the front between the mast and the base to pry upwards a small amount. This releases the bind on the pin and link. Basically lift the mast straight up with some kind of prying force. The base and mast have scratches from this but it works for me.
Posted By: _flatlander_

Re: stepping link (14 /16) - 02/18/12 02:43 PM

To address the problem of the "ball" on the bottom of the mast interfering with the mast base...i.e. "too far forward"
The stepping link hinges on the pin in the base, it must swing forward to allow you to begin stepping, and must swing back to allow the mast and base to mate properly. Gravity is your friend here.

As you're stepping the mast, when approximately 3/4 of the way to vertical (straight up), pause your upward motion, and then give the mast a big shove upwards, the step link will pivot (hinge, kick) back/down allowing the mast and base to mate up as designed. Gravity will aid in the link "kicking back"
(Note, if you're using some winch or other system to raise/step the mast, this technique will not work, and you'll have to resort to prying or kicking)

Removing the step pin.
The rig on a 16 is very loose until the jib is tensioned. Consequently, the pin, the hinge and the mast will be easily "bound up" until all three are aligned.
Stand on the tramp, put your shoulder in to the back of the mast and push forward enough to take tension off the forestay, while simultaneously wiggling the step pin. You'll find the sweet spot and it'll slip right out.
(Note, I like to use a small, size #0 or #00, phillips screwdriver for my step pin...has a nice handle to grab, much easier to remove. It seems as though the Hobie step pin grew in diameter lately, with the newer step link kit, and barely fits in to the hole on the mast)

p.s. use the hole marked 16 for a 16, 14 for the 14. This step link and the newer Hobie one work very well p.s.

hope this helps
sheet in...max out
Posted By: mmiller

Re: stepping link (14 /16) - 02/20/12 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Flip57
I have a 2009 hobie 16 and the same thing happens even with the plastic disk under the mast. I have to insert my plyers in the front between the mast and the base to pry upwards a small amount. This releases the bind on the pin and link. Basically lift the mast straight up with some kind of prying force. The base and mast have scratches from this but it works for me.


Fyi... I changed the step pin back to a smaller diameter last year.

Old links had many issues and in the late 80's I modified the links to be stiffer to prevent the mast from over shooting the step casting. Since the 3/16" pins were bending, I changed it to a 1/4"... causing the pin removal difficulty.

The pins are now back to 3/16", but are a harder grade of stainless. Replacement pins are #8020080 MAST STEP PIN, 3/16 X 2.125 SS (I believe they are PH 17-4)

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