Hello Guys and Gals. My first post. Been sailing for 30 years.
My first Beach cat. I bough an older Hobie 16. Picked up a mast step link kit, but not sure about using it. You have to remove the hook on the mast step. Should I just leave it be our install the kit. Any picks would be helpful.
Thanks for your time.

I'm confused by what you mean by "hook on mast step". Is something already attached to the holes in either the mast bottom, or the base that receives the mast?

[img]http://www.onlinemarinestore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=15015&idcategory=0[/img]

The narrow fork of the hinge goes in the slot in the mast step, secure with a pin through the holes. The wider fork goes around the tang on the mast base, secure with a pin through the LOWER set of holes. Place a teflon chip in the mast step cup. Stand on the tramp near the stern and raise the mast. The bottom of the mast may need to be shoved back and down to seat in the cup. Secure the forestay to the bridle. Many sailors use a double 10-hole chainplate at the bridle to make it a little easier.

Hope this helps.

The original Hobie 16 mast base had a hook that engaged a pin in the mast base to help raise the mast. Only problem was that the hook had a bad tendency to disengage when the mast was about half-raised.

Hobie Cat quickly introduced the mast step link kit. Older boats could be easily retrofitted with it.

I'm confused by what you mean by "hook on mast step". Is something already attached to the holes in either the mast bottom, or the base that receives the mast?

The link is pinned or bolted to the mast step casting. You align the mast base at the link and pin the link to a hole in the base casting. The two being connected by a "Hinge Link" for stepping.

Older models had a hook as part of the base and a pin in the step casting. You can drill out the pin. Cut off the hook and drill a hole in the base to update older boats.

Item #21380001 MAST STEP LINK KIT H14/16

Order from any Hobie Catamaran dealer.



Step link instructions

I realize that this is a slightly older thread, but...

I've had one of those screws nearly shear over time. Ever since, I always replace them with a solid clevis pin before they go on the boat.

Hope this helps.

Mike