Hobie Cat Forums

I recently purchased a 2007 Getaway. The original owner advised me to remove the pin at the bottom of the mast after rigging the mast. His thinking is that if a stay should break and the mast falls, it will separate from the cross beam and not do additional damage to the boat. My concern is that with the pin removed the mast might be able to slip off the ball and actually cause the mast to fall. I would like to hear opinions from other Getaway owners, and especially Matt. Thanks for your input.

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Dave

Best to get the answer from the horse's mouth instead of ... And here it is:
http://2010.archive.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/getawaymanual.pdf

(page 9)

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

I don't keep the pin in for the reason mentioned, the rig would have to be extremely loose in order for the mast to come up high enough to come off the ball. As long as the boat has the correct tension on the shrouds it shouldn't be any issue.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

How often does a stay break?... I mean in real world use?

I've read that they should be replaced every three years or so. And it only takes one time to do damage to the crossbeam.

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Dave

I've owned 2 16's since 1975, only sailed them in fresh water and in all that time never had a shroud snap. I bought a new getaway in 2006 and also never changed a shroud. I do a very careful inspection on them two times a year. Also our sailing season is from the third week in May till sometime in September so the boat is only in the water for 12 weeks during the whole year. During the winter shrouds are taken off the boat and stored inside till the following season. That being said better safe than sorry, the cost of a shroud is much cheaper than replacing the mast or other worse things that may happen during a demasting.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.