Hobie Cat Forums

Hi,

I've had issues with the mast top spinning independent of the bottom. As you can imagine, that really can affect my ability to furl. I now have a few extra windings on the furling drum which helps but I have still run out of line before the sail it's furled.

I use the downhaul, the sail set properly on the mast top, and I have taped the two mast pieces together.

So, now I'm thinking of epoxying them together w west systems epoxy. Will this void my warranty? Is there any other reason why I shouldn't? Only thing I can think of is if the mast broke, I would only have to replace half...

Any thoughts appreciated!

J

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

Maybe drill matching 3mm holes through both and fit plastic zip ties (I think you guys call them wire ties)

Kayakman7,

Use 100 mph/duct tape. Stops the mast spinning and you can take it apart if needed.
Thanks for reminding me, it was a Mod I didn't write up in "Leading Others".

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yeah, i tried tape and don't want to weaken the mast or create a wear point on the sail by drilling a hole.

was really hoping for any reasons NOT to glue.

j

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

you do not want to drill through carbon fiber - it will splinter

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Alan W.
'07 AI dressed in Golden Papaya

... because it fades to Golden Papaya

We wouldn't recommend you drilling through your mast, use some tape and more downhaul tension - that should help.

Duct tape seems to be holding my TI's mast okay but did have the top half rotate about 1/4". Guess I should have applied the tape a little more tightly to add more compression next time.

Definitly don't recommend drilling since it will more likely result in breakage when stressed. Experienced this with the surfcasting poles we use here in Hawaii. The small chip can result in breakage during the cast or when fighting a big fish. Been using surfboard wax to tighten up their splice joint but not sure if it would help on a larger AI or TI mast. The forum can chime in if this is a good idea.

Tolerances look pretty tight on these masts. But you might want to check if there's a flaw that's resulting in some unusual looseness. If it keeps on rotating on you despite doing what everyone else is doing, you might want to have your dealer look at it and compare it to other masts in stock.

cheers!

c2y

Remember, the top of the AI/TI masts are meant to rotate. I tape my mast pieces with duct tape, but no longer worry about the sail twist as it always seems to work itself out.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

why are they meant to rotate? that would seem to defeat the purpose of the roller furling.

i have my mast taped and my downhaul is installed. still spins. when i return from a trip, i frequently find that the downhaul needs to be moved 180 degrees to alleviate the twist in the sail.
i also have issues getting the last half turn out of bottom of the sail because the top is already fully pulled out

the only reasons i can see for having a two piece mast are; cheaper shipping and it is difficult to manufacture long carbonfiber poles.


i will check my tolerances and see if it's very sloppy.

j

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

I am curious, are they carbon fibre or fibre glass?

The latest Hobie Kayak catalogue says the TI has a carbon fibre mast. This is not mentioned on the AI page.

I built a carbon fiber one-piece mast. Much stiffer and stronger, but lighter. I greatly prefer it.

they are carbon fiber and mine is now a piece mast

i got tired of the spinning... i had a full 360 degrees of twist in the sail the other day

it frustrates me to no end that my sail shape is distorted, costing performance and adding wear to the sail. i'll post some pics later

j

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

I used West Systems epoxy thickened with microfibers for the glue up and an 8 foot and a 6 foot box level with plenty of clamps to ensure that it remained as straight as possible.




This is why I bothered to make a one piece mast.
Moderate winds (10 to 15) and I still had nearly a full rotation in the sail





I will report the results soon, haven't had a chance to take a sea trial yet,

cheers,

j

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

J,

Did you just glue the two sections together, or did you also fill in the center to strengthen and reduce flex?

Did it add much additional weight?

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI