Hi there!!

Can anyone recommend a mast stepping device to raise the mast on my Hobie 18?? I find I am not going sailing as much as I would like because of the issue with raising the mast. I know there are three devices in the Hobie catalog but I would like to hear from someone who has used any of them to let me know what they think.

Thanks,

If you aren't having any trouble lifting the mast, I highly recommend the system I use. I simply attached my old lower block from the mainsheet to the trailer at the same angle as the forestay coming down. I then tie the sheet to the chainplate above the furling drum. After this, run it through the block and put the loose end on the tramp by your feet or loosely tie it to the diamond wires. Lift, cleat, get down and attach the bridles. Simple, easy, cheap and very effective. Reverse it for lowering the mast. I've used this method lots and never had a problem. As with any system, just make sure everything is set before you raise or lower.

I just bought an FX-1 and the previous owner had a setup using the traps to triangulate the rig and keep it square. He then used the winch to actually raise the mast. I hate it. The mast is more out of control using this method. I'm going to switch it to my setup on my 18.

Hope this helps and Happy Sailing!!

Kip
Boise, ID
FX-1
TheMightyHobie18

I purchased the EZ Stepper for my Prindle 18. It works very well and I've had no problems raising the mast alone at all. Since I sail solo most of the time, it's really been a great help.

Happy Holidays!

Sheldon
P-18

I've used the EZ Stepper and find that I don't really need it. It works fine, but there's almost always someone around to help me lift the mast, which is the only step in the process that requires help.

The one scary part of raising the mast is keeping it from swaying side to side. The EZ Stepper comes with a couple of lines that you tie from the cross bar to the forward trapeze, but it's tough to get them just the right length so that they don't bind when the mast is going up. Now I use quickly adjustable tie-down straps, the kind with hooks on each end, so that I can easly pop them loose. Depending on he wind strength, I'll use them as a safety precaution even if I have lots of help. If it's calm I can toss my H-20 mast up quickly without the safety straps, but it can get out of hand in a hurry if it's windy and it only takes a moment to hank on the safety hooks.

I must not be setting up my EZ Mast Stepper correctly as I broke a Hobie 18 mast hinge this past weekend. Seldom use the EZ Step but I was alone. I guess I better read the directions, laminate them and have them in the toy box.

I like the idea of the pully system. I have been thinking of how ai can rase the mast and attach the for stay. I will have to experment. I only sail a hobie 16, so it is not quite as large as the 18. It is just one of the many things I will need to master. I am currently working on how to easly right the boat from capsise. I am haveing difficulty even with two people.

Brenden,

If you're having difficulty with ONE person, on a h16 mast, I think you should be looking at technique, etc, not these mast rig devices.

ON the H16, when the mast is down before lifting, the traps with their bungees slide to the back of the tramp, then as you lift, you're working against a tight trap bungee. Have someone slide the bungess forward as you lift the mast.

Good luck

Thanks guys,

My trouble is with the raising part. The thing weighs a ton, plus I put a Hobie bob to the tip which makes it even heavier!! I think I'm going to try the EZ step. It didn't make my Christmas list but I'll make sure my wife knows it is at the top of my birthday list!

Good sailing!

something is wrong. I used to step my H-21 SE mast solo with the EZ step. My crew was always late........

I think the whole mast stepping takes a lot of balance. I wish I had a place on the water so I could leave the mast up. solo sailing would then be more of an option. I have no problm getting the mast up, but being alone carnt imagine how to keep it up to attach the front stay.

Back in the old days, I used to step the mast on my Hobie 16 by myself all the time. I would tie a line to the end of the forestay, run it through the shackle or around the bridle itself, and back to the front crossbeam. After I stepped the mast, I'd reach down and grab the line on the front crossbeam, pull out the slack, and tie it off there or cleat it off. Then, go foreward and pin the forestay to the bridle. Done. This was in the early 80's, but I don't think the set up has changed much over the years.

Good luck.