Bravo Dismasting - Unplanned....

I was sailing today and the mast came down - totally unplanned. The day was fairly windy - just barely white caps on the lake. There were two adults on the boat (total weight ~ 360 lbs) and we hit a gust. The mast dropped into the water. Luckily, no one was hurt. The only apparent damage to the Bravo was the flimsy extra clip immediately below the metal security hinge which broke (perhaps I will end up using another piece of webbing - no sure).

I re-checked the top handle fastener and it was tight. I expect that the hull might have moved and allowed the A-frame to open-up, but this is only a guess.

This brings me to my questions:
(1) Has this ever happened to anyone else? This is a considerable point of concern for me.... especially if I am out with younger kids.
(2) As mentioned above, the handle was tight. There was an extra nut between the handle and the A-frame which restricted the bolt from engaging the hinged metal to the threads (approx 2-3 mm). This nut is on the side of the handle. The hinge definitely engaged before, but with the removal of the nut it is definitely tighter.... right to the threads. Interestingly, I do not see the nut in the user manual (there is a really good picture on page 17 of the manual). Lastly, the nut seemed to be held with Lock-tite... it seemed to be there for a reason and not meant to be removed.

Any thoughts regarding this nut? Why is it there? Are there any plans to reinforce the metal A-frame in this area that anyone is aware of?

Everyone else will hopefully learn from this event as well.

Thanks

The nut is there as a lock between the handle and stud.

The A frame may have been bent slightly to allow the gate to have a gap between the frame and gate. The knob stud length can be adjusted for a better fit.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

How many nuts are there between the A frame and the handle? There should be no more than one.

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Hobie 16, Pearson Ensign and one sailboard and one sup

I thought there was a joke coming.