Single handed mast raising with the Mast Hinge

[@jaimeregatieri2144]

Congratulations! Not even the manufacturer has a tutorial as well explained as yours. Thanks for your videos. They have given a good support to me that I have difficulty having a partner to sail. Keep it up!

[@JoyriderTV]

thanks, good to hear that the video is helpful.

[@donovanboggs8916]

Joe, I'm a newbie (53 year old) sailor and just bought a used '79 Hobie 14 from the original owner. I just tried raising the mast alone before finding this video and was somewhat successful 2 different ways. Both times I had the sidestays attached (normal holes) and the forestay unattached. First time as I started to lift the mast from the rear, instead of putting the bottom of the mast into the mast base, I kept it on the ground in front of the front beam. I was able to get the mast straight up and down without having to awkwardly climb on the back of the tramp (stayed on the tramp the whole time). Once the mast was fully up and down, I lifted it up off the ground into the mast base. Second time I put the mast up by using a 3" screw (that's all I had at the time) for the mast step pin which allowed the "hook" at the base of the mast to catch and pivot around the screw until the mast was fully upright. I then removed the screw. The main issue I ran into both times was trying to attach the forestay to proper tension on the sidestays as well as the forestay. Trying to hold the mast weight forward with one hand on the forestay wire and attaching it to the forestay adjuster with good tension was almost impossible. I don't have a jib halyard to help with this. Maybe tying the halyard shackle to a cleat at the base of the mast, pulling forward on the halyard rope coming from the top of the mast and tying off on the bridle wires can act as a temporary "hold" while attaching the forestay? I haven't seen any good videos trying to do this with a 14. Good input from JJ Donatelli's comments though. Apart from this being long winded, I love the videos! Please keep 'em coming and give it the beans!!!

[@JoyriderTV]

Very good that you found some successful methods. I've since learnt another technique for the 14. I'll make a video with this method soon.

[@JamesDonatelli]

Great video Joe! Kudos to any guy or gal who can raise the mast single handed! Helpful tip when raising the mast: As Joe mentioned, you can temporarily place the shrouds pins higher up in the shroud adjusters so the mast will be as vertical as possible when you raise it. This makes the process safer and the mast less likely to get away from you when reaching for the jib halyard. Once the forestay is connected and is supporting the mast, then make the final tuning adjustment to the shroud pins, brining them lower based on your sailing weight which then rakes the mast back in its proper position for sailing.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks James

[@srgpip]

Another great demo Joe! I am around 11st wet and use the same method except I jack up the stern or ensure that the Hobie is tilting forward as I find it much easier. I also employ a couple of screwdrivers of the correct diameter in place of the provided mast step pin to facilitate easier insertion and removal they also stick out like a saw thumb so hard to forget removing the step. An alternative to the commercial mast step is employing same screwdrivers along with two or three small shackles to help retain and seat the mast.

[@danroberts9050]

Good God! Joe you're 10 times the man I'll ever be! LOL I rigged my trailer up with a motorized winch (with a remote control) and I added an additional tang much lower on the mast so I can easily lower and raise using the winch. Of course my boat always stays on the trailer since I typically launch into lakes in our area. You did that so smoothly that I almost thought I could do it. But alas, I believe it would not turn out as nicely as you did.

[@JoyriderTV]

🤩

[@steverogers1976]

Excellent. Thanks Joe. We bought a 14 early this summer and have had to self teach most everything until finding your videos. Hugely helpful as there is precious little info out there for newbs. I have the bearings and the clip you demonstrated in this video and now know something about actually using them. Planning to upgrade to a 16 as soon as master the 14. Thanks for your help getting there!

[@JoyriderTV]

Hi Steve, I'm glad that the videos are helping, the 14 is more difficult than the 16 by the way!

[@jarvisx86]

Hey Joe! Thank you so much for all of your videos. I just got a hobie 16 and was able to rig it, raise and step the mast thanks to your guidance. You da man!

[@JoyriderTV]

Great! I'm glad that the videos are hitting the spot.

[@nathanbenton2051]

the deadlift now has an application. awesome stuff. thanks!

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, it certainly helps

[@johnstenhouse8936]

Jib halyard to forward bridle…BRILLIANT!! I struggled with this for years.

[@JoyriderTV]

I'm so glad that this is helpful

[@joedeboard381]

I have an older Vagabond 14 and it never occurred to me to use the jib halyard to stabilize the mast until you get the forestay attached .... thanks mate !!!

[@JoyriderTV]

As long as your jib has a wire inside the luff - otherwise you'll stretch the sail.

[@therigloftmatthewotto4775]

A Standard US 1 gallon milk jug cap makes an excellent mast bearing pivot

[@JoyriderTV]

top tip!

[@htimst1967]

I just stand on the tramp for mast raising. Your setup works perfect but it becomes precarious when trying to step off the turf and climb onto the tramp. The mast isn't so heavy that one can't just lift it from the tramp. Otherwise, yes, a step from the beach to tramp would be handy. One thing to note, if you tie off the jib halyard to the front chainplate too tightly, the mast gets about 1/2 way down and thats it. It's a rather exciting moment in solo mast dropping. There are a couple of extra cleats on that mast than a stock boat has though. The stock boat doesn't have a jam cleat for the jib halyard. All in all, another great video.

[@JoyriderTV]

Agreed, it's essential that the rope used to extend the jib halyard is long enough, i think double the length of the forestay is ample.

[@josemariafanlo8716]

I always use this method for raise and drop the mast and I stand on the tramp for raising too. It is easier to raise and the mast it is not heavy. An advice: You don't need to adjust the shrouds Great vídeos Joseph , congratulations !!!

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the feedback - to attach the mast hinge I had to loosen one shroud to get the mast forward enough to get the pin in, other wise I would have left it. I'm glad that you're enjoying the videos, Cheers Joe

[@josemariafanlo8716]

Which hole do you use in the shroud adjuster? Your videos always shows medium/strong breeze and light crew weight, may be you are using bottom or first hole of the shroud adjuster.

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll be putting a video together on this next week, here's the numbers: CREW WEIGHT: less than 125kg - bottom 125 - 134 2nd from bottom 135 - 144 3rd from bottom more than 145 - 4th from bottom Rig tension (jib halyard) should be as tight as possible (but so that the mast can still rotate) When you get overpowered loosen the jib halyard by a little to get more control and deposed in strong winds.

[@chrisfisichella7665]

Excellent job! There is a video called Hobie 16 rigging that goes into great detail on this technique.

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll be sure to check it out

[@submarineaz]

I'd like to see more of how your jib halyard is rigged and how you are easing it off to lower the mast. One thing I find impossible to do myself is to fit it into the hinge from the down position (I trailer my 16). I may make a special cradle to help this.

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, it requires getting the mast in a very specific position to get the hinge fitted. Here,s a link to the live video that may shed a bit more light on the method.

[@fCauneau]

So useful ! And quite clear as usual ! Thanks a lot for this great video !!

[@JoyriderTV]

You're welcome, I'm preparing some more H16 videos at the moment, should be ready in the next days.

[@RalphsHeating]

Worked perfectly taking mine down for the season. Great video thanks.

[@arthurzengeler8296]

I have to use an A frame ladder, with a "Y" shaped receptacle, for the mast to fit into. Then I have a rope attached to the end of the halyard, which goes through a pully, I have on the bridle wires. Then I have a board, going from the front crossbar, to the rear. I'll put the mast as high up as possible, sitting on the ladder. Then put the mast on my shoulder, walk on the board, as I pull it up with the attached rope. The reason I do it like this, is because of putting too much weight on the trampoline, so as not to damage it.

[@JoyriderTV]

Sounds like a good scheme - I generally try to give the biggest push when standing on the rear beam and then walk the tramp the last bit - walking the plank sounds like a good alternative

[@arthurzengeler8296]

@@JoyriderTV I should have mentioned, I raise the mast, when it is on the trailer. I need the ladder, to stabilize the mast, and raise it slowly, because it isn't so stable, as when the boats on the ground. I use to raise it, with a system I read about, and saw a diagram. It was with the winch, with the cable going through a pully, mounted on about a 3' pole, which stood straight up behind the winch. Then that was attached to the forestay, and you just crank it up. But the mast, needed to be first lifted up, and put on the ladder, because of the angle would then be easier to crank it up.

[@hobie_cat6015]

Hello Jo, I have sanded the metal grad of the Dolphin Striker, that is coming through the mast base, with a Dremel, witch I also used when I reapers the leek of our J22. So the Teflon disc is not eaten so fast.

[@MatheasMichaels]

Wouldn't it just be possible to back off on it a few rotations? Grinding it down is a good idea though, provided the threads don't get chewed up!

[@hobie_cat6015]

@@MatheasMichaels yes but No 😂

[@hobie_cat6015]

@@MatheasMichaels if you know the exact tension needed to properly support the beam but not pull the hulls tips towards each other then you can do that.

[@robertosgood961]

Great vid Joe, Thank you! The devils in the details with anything new to try. How and where exactly are ropes and cables connected? What's the connection look like at the tang? It looked like you had the upper block at the bottom to tie off with extra line to the bridle. Always solo for me as I restore an '85 H16. I'm still learning how to rig a jib and new to sailing.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks, I see that you've looked at the rigging the mast video so you should know how all of the rigging is attached. For the older boats, the difficulty will be keeping the mast attached at the base as the hinge I don't think would fit.

[@robertosgood961]

@@JoyriderTV I purchased a mast hinge kit from Murray's in California that only works with the older mast steps. It doesn't work on anything post '93 that has the newer steps that accommodate more mast rake. Only one hole, does not work on H14. I watched more of your video's carefully and figured it all out. You are absolutely correct when you say lift with your legs ... lol

[@JoyriderTV]

Nice, That's good to know that there's a hinge available for the older step.

[@gcpwp]

Anyone use the trap cables instead of the jib halyard?

[@JoyriderTV]

I think trap cables are the more popular choice - I'll try that next time - less messy.

[@steverogers1976]

What if my H14 mast doesn't have the hole for the pin? Can I just drill one?

[@JoyriderTV]

On the slightly older boats it was designed not to have a pin - I think you should have more 'nose' on your mast base that will locate under a small bar. If it looks like you could drill it and it will work withouthout weakening the part then you could go for it for a more secure mast raise.

[@steverogers1976]

@@JoyriderTV Thanks Joe!

[@homefront3162]

I also had an old H-14 once, I rigged it to raise the mast in an interesting and easy way, i would leave the forestay attached, leave the port stay attached and use a quick release pin on the starboard stay, id stick the mast in the socket without a hinge and raise it manually. the H-14 mast is not that heavy and it it is super easy unless you are very small or weak. I did this as I would sail after work and had very limited time to setup, id take the boat/trailerto work with me and rush to the beach every afternoon for an hour or so of sailing... Good luck and have fun!

[@cornebistouille]

hello, i watch your videos for several week now... they are quite usefull to review some techniques.. :) If i may ask you a question , will you make a series for the spi? I looking for a way to solo it : its ok to put it out but no way to get it in without going upwind... have you an idea? (anyway i hope you enjoy the wind in Greece... here in Cannes, its flat since a week...

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll get on to this soon.

[@cornebistouille]

thank you Joseph :)

[@danielecorlazzoli2003]

I am an absolute beginner and I consider myself a "mountain sailor " but I always sail solo and I use the spi with light wind. The only way to get it in is downwind ... and this is also a calm situation where you can let the helm for a handful of seconds. But I am looking forward for our master's lesson:)

[@JoyriderTV]

COMING SOON! Single handed Spi

[@larrybyrne4467]

Another great video thank you

[@jonxjon999oastler9]

hi joe. if you ever need a rya instructor id be happy to a bilge, sailed most dinghies now sail a dart 15. in uk. john

[@JoyriderTV]

Nice! If you're keen, send me an email at [e-mail]

[@cwravens1]

What is the maximum crew weight you would recommend for the H16? I’m on the fence between purchasing a H16 or a Nacra 18. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. My typical crew weight will be about 400lbs.

[@JoyriderTV]

If you are going to be sailing constantly with more than 150 kg then perhaps don't go for the 16 - it'll be good when it's windy but when it's a bit lighter you'll feel it. I think that the Nacra 18 will suit you better if you are regularly going to be sailing double handed. The other option might be a hobie 18 classic (if you're not so worried about racing. It has the hobie 16 feel but has double the volume. this might help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmbTkIGal7OdnNE

[@cwravens1]

Joseph Bennett thank you for the advice. Great videos!!

[@Nils_Hammarsten]

Mast up in vinter. But hull needs grining and repaint.

[@JoyriderTV]

Good luck with that.

[@JJ-cf7nb]

Great video, thanks again. I think your jib halyard is set up differently than mine. Did you add the jam cleat to the mast or is that a late H16 option?

[@JoyriderTV]

I think the jam cleat appeared on 16's from Hobie Cat Europe after 2000, before that it was just the horn cleat.

[@hobie_cat6015]

Se this one. www.hobiestore.de/hobie-parts/hobie-cat-16-special/upgrade-kit-fockfall.html Have a Hobie Day.

[@chrisB_OG]

Thank you for this video

[@JoyriderTV]

My pleasure

[@alexlaws8222]

LOVE this. big help.......

[@larrybyrne4467]

How long is the rope (yellow rope) you use?

[@JoyriderTV]

I didn't measure it but i think it's about double the length of the jib luff.

[@davidmanion5369]

Instead of using that plastic bearing i use two coins. One larger than the other the large one on the bottom and never have to replace them.

[@JoyriderTV]

Top tip, I'm certainly going to try that. Thanks

[@davidmanion5369]

@@JoyriderTV Many years ago I used an Australian 2 cent coin on the bottom and a 1 cent coin on top of the 2 cent coin. The coins will squash down to mold in with the curve so you may have to tweek the tension on the stays after installing the first time. However this happened straight away or just after pulling on the main. Those coins are no longer so you may have to play around with different coins. The idea is for just a very small amount of contact on the coin be the mast, to much and it grinds in there.

[@91wph]

The bottom part of large sized fast-food drink cups especially from Taco Bell- don’t laugh- work very well and are free for the most part. Look for the white cups, boys haha

[@91wph]

For mast cup bearings I mean^^

[@RandyOtto]

Also, the cap to a plastic gatorade bottle.. ;-)

[@joseossa5992]

Hola

[@JoyriderTV]

Howdy!

[@welingtonluiz1802]

muito bom joseph you big superman

[@JoyriderTV]

💪

[@danielecorlazzoli2003]

how can you read our mind ?:)

[@Tb0n3]

Step 1: pick it up Step 2: put it down

[@JoyriderTV]

That's a great summary!

[@Tb0n3]

@@JoyriderTV looks a lot easier than what I've been struggling with on a 23 footer. Love these instructions on the cats. They look like a real blast.