This is the only hard part about setting up solo. With the exception of raising the mast, setting up a Hobie 16 (mine's a 1980, Sail #55569) by myself is a breeze. Well it is with the exception of the heat in the summer. Our lake (Lake Mead near Las Vegas) air temps get up to 120 degrees F sometimes....not real comfortable to work in.

Anyway, here's my problem: Boat is still on the trailer, mast and shrouds are attached and clear, mast base is locked into the mast step linkage, with the step ring and pin, and the mast rests across the rear crossbar. I raise the mast up and the mast base will not align with the cup. It goes too far forward and I either have to strong arm (very tiring) the mast base backwards to set into the cup, or (the easy way) get someone to push rearward on the front lower portion of the mast to get the ball in the cup. I am using the correct hole in the step linkage. There is a 14 and a 16 hole. The link somehow goes up too far and hits the mast cup when I raise the mast.

Anyone have this same problem? Is there a cure?

Thanks in advance. Sail safe.

Sarge,

I have an older H16 with the new link kit and I haven`t encountered what you are experiencing, nor have I read about it. You have clearly identified that your stepping link has two holes, so I assume you know that for an H16 you use the hole marked 16... If that is what you are already doing than here are a few other things to think about.

-stepping link damaged/stretched...

-previous owner re-drilled one or more of the link holes in the ALUMINUM casting of either the mast base or step and now they don`t line up properly...can you compare your parts with other Hobies? - I have seen more than one mast base where the aluminum protrusion that normally accepts the link and pin has been broken off.

- either the step casting or mast base has been replaced with the wrong part#

Other than these, I cannot understand your troubles. Perhaps someone else can offer a different idea.

Good luck,

Dave

When I had my 16 I used to have an issue when solo stepping the mast that sounds similar to yours except that I didn't need to strong arm it back into place. A nice push would do it. I found that if I had someone available I would have them hold down the mast as I stepped it. This would make the mast rotate at the proper point and it wouldn't hang up.

Otherwise I would check that you have a mast step and mast base that are compatible or get a new step link as previous posts suggested.

It's a common problem with all 16's. It won't go away with new parts. Brand new boats do the same thing. It's more a matter of technique to get it to seat properly.

What you describe always happens and is very easy to get around. I always raise my mast solo and as I get it part way up, I accelerate it a little and then slack off then push up again. It toggles the link and the mast lines up fine with the socket. It is hard to describe but once you get the feel for it you won't have any trouble. I have been doing it for 20 years. Let me know if you want more of an explanation.

Howard

The newer links are certainly better. They don't get as bent as the old ones. Over rotation was the reason for the changes, you have to use all the parts in the kit though. Includes a small sleeve at the lower pin (step casting) between the two folded sections of stainless. This keeps it from crushing and allowing the stops to get inside the step.

When the base is about to contact the cup the mast is pretty vertical. Push up high with one hand while pulling aft with a hand low as you can reach. That should pop the base into the cup. One quick jerk will do it then push high again till the shrouds go tight.

Since I live on a lake, I don't have to fool with the mast as much as the trailer crowd, but I don't have trouble when stepping. BUT where I DO have problems, is that the link occationally gets bent when the boat gets flipped. The link moves up as the boat is tipped, then the mast rotation causes the mast base to catch on the link and bend it. ---------Then its needle nose time. Arrgh!

You are right about link bending when boat is flipped. Electric tape holds mine in place (out of way) when "bad" things happen on water.

You guys sail with the link in? Why don't you take it out and leave it on the trailer or in the car?

Jaime,

I have one of the new links and it is bolted into the step as per the instructions. So, I do not take it off.

I keep the pin tethered directly to the link with a small bit of nylon cord. The tether is just long enough that I can pass the pin completely through one of the first few gromet holes in the tramp, leaving an inch or two to spare on the tether. That way, when I capsize, the weight of the pin (on the bottom side of the tramp) pulls on the link via the tether and keeps the link from rotating up into the mast and getting damaged. This arrangment also keeps the pin and link very handy when I need it.

It stays this way while trailering as well.



Dave

Hey there Jaime. I like your website by the way.

Anyway, I leave my link in, as it is bolted, not quick pinned, into the mast base. The other reason to keep it in is if I ever have to lower the mast away from the shore where my truck (and parts box) is because of a minor repair (batten problem, etc.) although that has been rare.

To answer most other questions posed. Yes, I am using the 16 hole. I do believe I have the newer link as it appears to have the sleeve and I remember replacing it, just not when. When did the newer part come into production, if you know? As far as the pin, I also tether it and insert in into the rope tie at the first grommet.

The link is in right side up isn't it? I saw a link on another post here that looked like it was in the other way but there is an arrow pointing up on the side of my link. If it is upside down I will really be ticked...haaaaa...and embarrassed.

I've attached a pic of the link. If you can, tell me if it is the newer one. I will also try the speed up, slow down method. I think I have done that in the past. Just am getting older and don't get quite the speed in the raising process as I used to...haaa. Now it just one long slow and steady uuuuhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmp to get it up there. Haa.

Once again guys...thanks for all your help. Sail Safe. HD.

Ditto. I always remove the link after the mast is up (but I do know many who leave it in). My link has been "custom bent" over the years to perfectly fit the mast/step!

From experience, I'll tell you, leave the link on.

I had a pin come out and it left me sailing on one shroud. I didn't know it was loose, until I tacked. The mast promptly fell over. I keep a spare pin or two in the unused holes. -So we just floated to shore, re-attached the shroud, and remasted. So an incident that could have ended the days sailing, instead was just an interesting diversion from the normal routine.

That is the newer version of the link. Yes, it is right side up. When was it introduced? I think I made those changes... sleeve, welded strut, bolt on... about '89 or something.