I just got the mast in the air and direct some things came on mine newbie mind. Rising the mast..it stands.. butI didnt use the small part (basslink??)on the mast foot that I found later described in the manual HC 16. I worry now because i do not have that thing anyway, while the mast looks rather normal. So can anyone please tell me if the part belongs there when sailing, Sorry another thing is how tight must i set the shrouds beside, is it normal that there is rather a flexible movement in the mast, cause now i feel the mast will fall out when the cat is capsizing.
I hope somebody has the patience to explain to an newbie that waited 25 years before he gets his beloved hc16.thx

The hinge link is only used as an aid when stepping the mast. You take it off and put it in your tool box until you want to lower the mast.

If you got it up without the hinge...good for you! You don't really need it.

We used to do it all the time without a link, but the masts had a little hook that helped. Someone good needs to hold the base in place and it is wise to tie a short piece of line as a keeper so it doesn't get very far if it gets away from him.

I don't recommended not using the link.....just saying it can be done without one.

It is pretty hard to get them too loose. Many racers run them very loose.

The jib halyard tightens everything up, so without the jib the rig should be very loose. With the jib up you can tension the rig any way you want. As a beginner, I would get it fairly tight, but not so much that the mast doesn't rotate freely.

Thank u very much for answering. What a release!another step forward in mine Hobie awerness.
Seeg