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Mast spring/trigger issue
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=51588		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Krisspe [ Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Mast spring/trigger issue
I am having a problem seating and releasing the mast in my 2010 AI. It started with a difficulty releasing the mast. When I pulled the trigger lever, the bar that holds the mast didn't want to release. It had very little travel when I pull the trigger. Now it has no travel. To the point that I can't even insert the mast as it rests on the part that should lock the sail in place. (There is no debris in the mast dimple or the mast well. It is really about the locking mechanism, I think.)

Before I take it apart to look at it, does anyone have any advice? (I'm not super confident in such things. AND it's not because I'm a lady!!! :) )

Also, if I need a new spring or other parts, is there an on-line place to purchase AI parts?

Thanks for your advice and consideration!!
Author:  KayakingBob [ Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Try slightly backing off the screw that is in the slot (that holds the lever piece down) and the screw at the pivot point (hinge). Early on I had a tendency to tighten down everything and these screw should not be tight or it will act as you describe instead of as intended.

Other sets of screws not to be tightened down are the ones that hold the cleats! :? :shock: :D
Author:  stringy [ Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Also check that the lever has full travel with the mast out.
If it works ok with mast out then look closely at the mast furler drum to see that it hasn't slipped.
Author:  Krisspe [ Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
stringy wrote:
Also check that the lever has full travel with the mast out.
If it works ok with mast out then look closely at the mast furler drum to see that it hasn't slipped.



Thanks for your answers! The lever has barely any travel (like none) with the mast out. It seems to be "jammed" in the engaged position. (where it would be if the sail were locked in place.) When you pull/squeeze the lever nothing happens.
Author:  Krisspe [ Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
KayakingBob wrote:
Try slightly backing off the screw that is in the slot (that holds the lever piece down) and the screw at the pivot point (hinge). Early on I had a tendency to tighten down everything and these screw should not be tight or it will act as you describe instead of as intended.

Other sets of screws not to be tightened down are the ones that hold the cleats! :? :shock: :D


Not to seem stupid (but let's face it, clueless would be more accurate. :oops: ) but am I correct in assuming I have to remove the xbar and the mast bearing plate in order to access the screws to which your referring? Right?
Author:  stringy [ Wed Jun 11, 2014 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
If you haven't done so already give the lever a good blast with water and then a liberal spray of silicone just to be sure it is debris free.
Does the washer under the lever slot screw head move? If not you will need to back off this screw as KB said.
An offset screwdriver or a screwdriver bit held with mini locking pliers should give access without dismantling.
Author:  KayakingBob [ Wed Jun 11, 2014 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Krisspe wrote:
KayakingBob wrote:
Try slightly backing off the screw that is in the slot (that holds the lever piece down) and the screw at the pivot point (hinge). Early on I had a tendency to tighten down everything and these screw should not be tight or it will act as you describe instead of as intended.

Other sets of screws not to be tightened down are the ones that hold the cleats! :? :shock: :D


Not to seem stupid (but let's face it, clueless would be more accurate. :oops: ) but am I correct in assuming I have to remove the xbar and the mast bearing plate in order to access the screws to which your referring? Right?


Both screws should be accessible without removing anything. They might be very close to parts of the forward aka x-bar, but still accessible with a longer screwdriver.
Author:  RedRobin [ Mon Jun 16, 2014 11:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Does anyone know the size of the mast lock screw that holds the trigger lever in place, mine fell out and was lost.
Author:  Krisspe [ Tue Jun 17, 2014 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
stringy wrote:
If you haven't done so already give the lever a good blast with water and then a liberal spray of silicone just to be sure it is debris free.
Does the washer under the lever slot screw head move? If not you will need to back off this screw as KB said.
An offset screwdriver or a screwdriver bit held with mini locking pliers should give access without dismantling.


Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have found and fixed the problem. The issue was really one of poor maintenance. :oops: There was a bit of debris, not a lot, but enough to reduce tolerances. But the real problem is that I hadn't tightened the bolts around the mast bearing plate in quite a while. They were all a turn and a half loose. This was enough to interfere with the motion of the lever (the problem I was having last fall but never got around to worrying about. :P ) So over the winter, the nut actually sort of "jumped the track". In other words, there is a slot in the lever that allows travel and the nut that receives the mast bearing bolt somehow got to the wrong side of the slot. So the lever couldn't be pulled and the retaining mechanism was stuck on the inside of the mast well. It wasn't too difficult to cajole the lever back to the other side at which point the nut is back inside the slot. Everything works perfectly now.

I really must get better at maintenance. It's just that I'd rather be sailing. And this boat spoils me by being so trouble free. :D Thanks again for all of your advice!! I would have been taking the whole thing apart and probably messed something up in the process.
Author:  stringy [ Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Nice work Krisspe! 8)
I must apologise though for the advice I gave earlier re the offset screwdriver. At the time I was away on a weeks camping trip with the TI, which has a lot more clearance. When I returned I looked at the AI (mine has V1 aka) and there is no way you could get a screwdriver in under the mast bearing plate.
You correctly identified that you would have to remove the front crossbar ...so you are in no way 'clueless'! :wink: :)
Author:  stringy [ Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
RedRobin,
It looks like it is part# 8030261 Mounting screw ...#10 x 1-1/4 PHSMS-P, that is if I'm reading the spares catalogue right!
Author:  mmiller [ Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
That's the actual receiver mounting screws...

The lever is using a #10 x 1/2" sheet metal screw. #8031151
Author:  stringy [ Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
Thanks for clarifying that Matt as I wasn't too sure.
I can't see that listed in the mast receiver parts breakdown pic of the catalogue. :?
Author:  mmiller [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
I'll add that in the next issue.
Author:  RedRobin [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 5:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mast spring/trigger issue
thanks for everyone help.
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