Folding Mast Requirement

Fought a 25-30 lb Mahi last Thursday.

When I hooked up I immediately luffed by using my quick release on the main sheet.

But I had to remove the mast and store it before continuing the fight. Note I have been working on this technique for a few months and take advantage of any smaller fish that hit in anticipation of a large one like a striped marlin or an ahi.

IMHO took too long and this is with sidekick and the small 20 ft sq sail.

I'm anticipating it might take even longer with an AI.

I'd really like to see a folding mast to clear decks for large fish.

Here's a method. Not the best for the situation I described, but maybe possible using the hinge and pin without the stays.

http://www.com-pacyachts.com/mastendrpictorial1.php

Is the Hobie mast light enough to use the above system or a variation?

Does anyone know of any folding masts techniques that could be adopted with Hobie's furling mast?

Roadrunner has previously suggested a beach umbrella technique. I think this, essentially a universal joint, combined with a sleeve and pin could be developed.

Would be a great item for the Adventure or AI as a big fish fighting machne, or getting under bridges during races such as the Watertribe, or just plain transit in tidal waters where bridges exist.

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I don't think a hinge would be any easier or faster than the current system. You would still need to stand up, remove a pin of some kind and carry the mast down to a storage position.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Not so sure Matt.

What I was envisioning was below the sail the sleeve covers a U joint.
One pulls the pin, perhaps with a lanyard, the sleeve drops permiting the U joint to rotate, and pulling on the mast it folds backwards in a downward positiion resting on the rear yaku. Wham bam.

Maybe secure it there once the fish is under control.

But one thing. If Hobie won't make custom stuff like this, can't the company engage an independent to do so? Guys like myself will pay. But finding someone to do things is unbelieveably tough.

The independent should be familar with your stuff, and have access to your raw materials and parts as this is what makes it tough for them. Would be like some of the car spcialists taht coordinate with the prime manufacture.

Hobie definitely needs some way of getting more customization into their products. I wouldn't be suprised if this need exists in your sailing cat line as well as the yak.

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