Thanks guys. I have read those posts before and made the alterations with no real positive effect. My main problem is getting a yardstick from other boats so I will try the idea of measuring the tension.
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<br>Whan I tried the stays in the bottom hole, the mast would not rotate properly as it kept katching on the safety clip for raising and lowering.
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<br>We do go better when the wind blows. I am thinking of putting some stops in to reduce rotation, so I guess I will just keep on experimenting.
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<br> Have a good winter as the summer here is beautiful already.<br><br>

Everyone that sails a 16 around here takes the mast step link out when sailing. It is impossible to carry the rake neccessary with it in and not smash the link.
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<br>I use two small torx head drivers instead of clevis pins for putting it in position for raising and lowering.
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<br>Good Luck!!<br><br>

to go off topic slightly,
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<br>you said, "have a good winter"
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<br>there is no such thing as a "good winter" here
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<br>sorta like "got any extra beer", I may have one for you, but there is no such thing as extra beer.
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<br>have a nice summer, wish I was there!
<br>Cheech<br><br>

I mistakenly left the mast step link attached on my H16 and turned it into a pretzel. It's really best to take it off when sailing as it is not designed as a limiter for mast rotation.
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<br>Cheers!<br><br>

I carry a spare mast link in case I bend mine trying to get the mast up so I can still get the mast down. <br><br>Hobie 14 sail #17827
<br>Hobie 16 sail #72585

heres a couple of speculations about sidestay tension: if the stays are loose the mast leans to leeward and wind is spilled, reducing drive. if the shrouds are tight the boat may be harder to right after capsize. by the way, how loose can shrouds be before the mast is in danger of coming out of the step in a capsize? <br><br>marsh hawk