2015 AI mast/furling drum question

On both of my previous AIs, the lower flange of the furling drum was flush with the surface below it. On my new 2015, the lower flange of the furling drum is approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inches above the surface below it. This allows the potential for the furling line to jam in there and (in my opinion) allows more movement of the mast. Is it supposed to be like this? I know the mast base is completely redesigned on the 2015.

Thank you for any insight!

There is often a bit of variance in the height of the drum, depending on how the turnbuckle is set inside the hull. My 2015 model was the same as yours and it was possible for the furling line to coil up under the drum. The fix is to adjust the turnbuckles a tad. Its easy to do. You'll want to extend their length by approx a couple of mm (which should mean the drum will sit a couple mm lower). Ideally you want the drum to be sitting just clear of the base underneath it (I usually aim for about 2mm gap). If it is touching you'll get friction when sheeting/furling. If it is too high the furling line can coil under the drum. Not sure which is the lesser of those two evils, but setting the height right is the obvious fix.

Adjust the turnbuckles without the mast in. Make your adjustments, put the mast back in, inspect and tweak if required. Be sure to reset the locking bolts above and below the turnbuckle.

Profit!!!

_________________
Kayak Fishing Specialist: SLH
https://slhobie.com.au

Narwhal, there has been plenty of discussion regarding clearance under the furler drum (viewtopic.php?f=71&t=50144&hilit=furler+drum+clearance&start=15), and Hobie has confirmed that any minor changes in clearance can only occur through distortion, as the crossbar is physically at one with the base of the mast container. The only alternative for any greater adjustment is relocation of the furler drum on the mast itself.

_________________
Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Trust me, its a lot easier to adjust the turnbuckles than it is to relocate the drum. I have unpacked and prepared a couple hundred Islands at this point (most come out of the packet just fine by the way), and never encountered one that couldn't be adjusted simply by tweaking the turnbuckles. I've only once had to relocate a drum. Being only '1/4 to 3/8 inches above the surface below it' as Narwhal suggests, it is most likely a small adjustment on the turnbuckles is required. Probably 2 - 3 full turns at a guess.

_________________
Kayak Fishing Specialist: SLH
https://slhobie.com.au