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Broken mast
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Author:  dougc405 [ Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Broken mast

Not a good day. Took a friend out for a sail in 11 mph winds, came about to a port tack, and the mast snapped off when the sail caught the wind. It snapped inside the sleeve right at the base of the furling drum. It snapped the retaining clip, broke the edge off the retaining plate, and bent the mast bearing plate. I couldn't get the mast out, so we had to pedal back, wrestling the mast the whole way back. When we got back, I unhooked the sail, pulling it off along with the top half of the mast.

Here's where it broke.

Image
Untitled by dougc405

As you can see, the retaining plate snapped. That tells me for sure that the mast was properly seated.

Image
Untitled by dougc405, on Flickr

Harder to see, but the retaining clip was bent up and whatever held it down is gone.

Image
Untitled by dougc405

Finally, you can see that the bearing plate is bent up.

Image
Untitled by dougc405

Already reported to the dealer. I hope Hobie can turn this around quickly or my season will be over.

I had seen several reports of '13 masts breaking. Never thought it would happen to me. Entirely unpleasant experience.

Author:  NOHUHU [ Tue Aug 06, 2013 1:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

Did you have issues with furling lately?

Did the ring slip prior to the failure?

Author:  dougc405 [ Tue Aug 06, 2013 2:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

No issues with furling. The ring appeared to still be attached even though the sleeve is now split down the middle. I can't look at it now, since my dealer has the mast.

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Author:  NOHUHU [ Tue Aug 06, 2013 6:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

It looks like there was.

If the mast slipped up a few inches it would no longer be riding on the retainer pin. That would be enough to increase the side torque.

I'd suggest you also check for signs of cracking or warping inside your mast cup. That may tell the whole story.

Guess this is your chance to work on those leg muscles for awhile. :wink:

Author:  dougc405 [ Tue Aug 06, 2013 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

I'm a cyclist and sailing is my respite from leg exercise. Nothing like a little overtraining, eh?
I won't be in a position to inspect anything until Friday, but I will give it the once over, for sure.

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Author:  dougc405 [ Wed Aug 07, 2013 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

I'm looking at the first picture I posted and the area above the furling drum is darker (to the left in photo). Also, in the area under the split in the sleeve, the lighter-colored band (adhesive, maybe) does not extend down to the bottom of the sleeve. That could indicate that the drum came loose and allowed the mast to walk out. I just hope there is no damage in the mast cup because that would mean hull replacement. Yecchh!!!!

Author:  dougc405 [ Fri Aug 09, 2013 4:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Broken mast

No damage to the mast cup. New mast is on the way from Hobie.

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