When I returned from a normal sailing trip this week I noticed that my mast was at an odd angle. The Mast Receiver assembly was not straight either. At first I couldn't figure out what could possibly be wrong. I thought perhaps the Mast Bearing Plate was cracked (as has happened on some boats). However as far as I can tell I have not seen any cracks in the welds around this area.
I finally discovered the problem when I opened my forward hatch. That's where I found the sheared Screw Socket, the loose V-Frame Base, and the bottom of the Mast Receiver pulled away from the bottom of the hull. This is on my 2011 TI.
Not Good!Tilted Mast:
Tilted Mast Receiver Assembly:
Front view showing the sheared 1/4" Socket Screw:
Side view showing 1/2" gap:
Rear View showing 1/2" gap:
I regularly inspect all my fittings, bolts, braces etc, and I perform all the suggested routine maintenance to keep my boat in good condition. There was nothing prior to this to indicate there was any problem. I remember hearing the famous "popping sounds" from the Mast Receiver area that people have talked about in previous posts, but that was a long time ago and I have sailed dozens of times since then.
After emailing Hobie they advised me to file a warranty claim thru my dealer, which I have done. I understand nuts and bolts, but my real concern is that the bottom of the Mast Receiver is now about ½" away from the bottom of the hull and I have no idea how it's going to get pulled back to where it's supposed to be? Has anyone else had this happen to their boat? Other than the sheared Socket Screw, what has actually caused this ½" gap? Will we find additional internal bolts sheared, coming up from the bottom of the hull as well? This is a very tight area to work in. Matt, what is the correct repair procedure to follow? This is all I have been able to find on the topic so far:
From March 2011.
viewtopic.php?f=70&t=34203&p=138369#p138369 Paul Kral aka Dogs Life, made a very interesting observation and comment about the problems associated with using standard stainless steel fasteners in this environment. Has Hobie upgraded their connecting hardware in area of the V-Frame Base?
It happened to a couple of people on the Everglades Challenge this year:
viewtopic.php?f=70&t=34203&p=138369#p138369 This related post is from 09/09. It's on an older style AI.
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=14472&p=88396&hilit=frame+screw#p88396Matt: Can you please answer these questions to assist me and my dealer so we can repair this properly. Thank you.