AI Mast problems

Steve what concerns should I be looking out for on the new knuckles. I am having some issues with the mast adjustment, the mast spool rubs on the bearing collar, I had it adjusted by the place I bought it from to get the clearance that was recommended 1/16-1/8 between the spool and the bearing collar. But now the locking mechanism locks up and the mast will not lock into place. I had to re-adjust the turn buckles so the mast would lock into place but now its rubbing again. I suggested to the guy I am working with that it might be the mast spool, might have been glued onto the mast to low so you can not get the proper adjustment. I took some pics and he is going to send them to hobie to see what they say.       

Pat R

Yikes!

I have seen reports of the pins in the new aka knuckles walking out-i don't have them, but I know chuck does, so maybe he can comment.

Post your pics up on hobie's forum. They are really very responsive

Pat,

I think I heard of that mast issue once before (maybe on the Hobie forum). Hope they fix it for you.

Mine works fine. Just hold in that trigger thing and the sail pops right in there. Same with coming out. Base of the sail pole to bottom of spool is right around 10 inches on my mast.



 

Hi guys could you all do me a favor and measure your mast like the one in the photo, bottom of the spool unit to the top of the mast insert collier I think mine is about 6-5/16. Pic #2 is the mast spool and a Sharpe mark made by Hobie I am thinking if the spool was glued in the mark I would not have an issue, just thinking out load.

MistralWind it sounds like yous is sticky to, the way mine mind works is the trigger should work on its own it is spring loaded so when you slip your mast in, it should lock into place on its own and when you want to take it out you need to pull the trigger. when it comes to things like this my wife says I am way to ANAL . I just like thing to work like I think thay should thanks again for all your help  

 (this is not sexual guys )

Pat R

Pat, I just picked up a 2012 AI. I measured my mast like you've shown in the pictures. Mine measures exactly the same as yours on both pictures (I used a precision ruler). When I plugged in the mast, it feels it could turn freely. It has a very small gap between the locking plate and the spool. There is small side play, so I would imagine when there is side force apply to the mast, the spool and locking plate can rub. However, they don't feel like they rub that much if any at all. I haven't install the sail yet, so I may not be seeing the same issue you're describing until I actually try to use the sail.

Just a thought, perhaps you can put a thin teflon ring/washer between the spool and the locking plate?


ernest

Thanks lucky13 and congregates on you new ride the AI fleet is getting bigger, hope to go sailing with you soon.

Pat R

I've always engaged (pushed in) the lock trigger when I put the mast in the receiver. Might not be required, but I didn't want to stress the mechanism.

Never had any problems with the sail at all. So far so good.

The mast section measurement on my boat came in at 6 and 7/16ths (just shy of 6.5 inches).  Maybe that 1/8th of an inch makes the difference.

Thanks Pat. Same color as yours. I wanted the blue one, but I'm getting used to the dune. Can't wait til the weather calms down a bit. When I picked up my AI, there were two other guys buying hobies. In those two hours I was at CCK, they sold 3 hobies and 2 other SIT. You would think not much going on on a raining day, but I guess the economy must be getting better. Let us know how your mast issue turns out.

On a side note, my rudder came uninstalled during shipment. The lines were attached but adjusted so tight that when CCK tried to install the rudder, the pin broke. Glad I let them do it for me right at the dealership. When I got home, I untied the strings to relief the tension. I will replace the plastic pin with a stainless steel one when I have a chance because there's no way that little piece of plastic can withstand that much tension constantly.

MistralWind thanks for the input I do believe if I had that 1/8 of an inch it would be all good.

Lucky13 I had the same problem with my rudder the guys at the place I got mine had to re-adjust the lines to get the rudder to fit. You may want to re-think the SS pin, it would be cheeper to replace the pin then the hole rudder I think that is why they make them out of plastic.

Pat R

You may want to re-think the SS pin, it would be cheeper to replace the pin then the hole rudder I think that is why they make them out of plastic.

hm... That's exactly what the dealer said, but having seen how easy it broke got me worry. Guess I'll have to try it out first before deciding on making any mod.

You may want to re-think the SS pin, it would be cheeper to replace the pin then the hole rudder I think that is why they make them out of plastic.

hm... That's exactly what the dealer said, but having seen how easy it broke got me worry. Guess I'll have to try it out first before deciding on making any mod.

The rudder pin is plastic for a reason.  It's made to breakaway in an impact to prevent damage to the hull.  That's why they supply you with a spare pin.

Imagine cruising along at warp speed in your AI when suddenly your rudder catches a partially submerged log.
Would you rather:

A) Have the plastic pin break knowing you have a replacement onboard.

B) Have the SS pin take on the brunt of the force causing the entire rudder system to be ripped from the kayak leaving holes that quickly fill with water?

Unless you like working your bilge pump and talking with the Coast Guard at the same time I'd go with "A".

You may want to re-think the SS pin, it would be cheeper to replace the pin then the hole rudder I think that is why they make them out of plastic.

hm... That's exactly what the dealer said, but having seen how easy it broke got me worry. Guess I'll have to try it out first before deciding on making any mod.

The rudder pin is plastic for a reason.  It's made to breakaway in an impact to prevent damage to the hull.  That's why they supply you with a spare pin.

This is what ChuckE's talking about: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40008&p=162467
I would be very cautious in doing modifications/alterations on the AI design. Hobie has talented engineers and test their products rigorously and they stand by them (based on my personal experience).

Pat, please keep us updated.

LL