Hobie Mast Stepper III Instructions

The Hobie Mast Stepper III, designed for the Hobie Getaway catamaran, allows one person to easily raise and lower the mast. It can also be modified to work with the Hobie 17, Hobie 20 and the Hobie Tiger. The Mast Stepper III is operated with the boat on its trailer and uses the trailer's winch for power. It attaches easily and requires only minor modifications to the boat.

Things You'll Need

  • Hobie Getaway catamaran on trailer
  • Hobie Mast Stepper III
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install the hardware provided with the Mast Stepper III on your boat. The two small loop tangs are attached to the forward crossbar castings with the bolts provided. Install the small metal plate into the jib furler so that it protrudes below the bottom of the furler drum. These modifications can be left in place on the boat.

    • 2

      Position the boat and trailer on level ground. Place the mast into position, centered on the trampoline. Insert the hinge pin to secure the base of the mast. Place the Mast Stepper adapter on the mast near the base and secure it in place with the shock cord loop wrapped around the mast and over the post on the adapter. Place the stepper pole onto the adapter post with the pole's eye strap facing aft. Secure the post onto the adapter with the provided carriage pin.

    • 3

      Shackle the two bridle line loops on each side of the stepper pole to the tangs installed in Step 1. This will prevent side to side sway of the mast. If a seat is installed, the bridle lines should be routed over the seat struts. The bridle lines are connected to a sail "slug" that should be threaded into the mast track and connected to the mast halyard. Raise the halyard enough to tighten the two bridle line loops; do not over tighten as they will tighten further while the mast is being raised.

    • 4

      Attach the winch cable to the double loop of line around the stepper pole. Attach the metal plate on the bottom of the furler drum (installed in Step 1) to the eye strap on the stepper pole using one of the provided shackles. Check all lines and connections to be sure all are secure.

    • 5

      Use the winch to raise the mast to the vertical position. Go slowly and adjust the bridle lines if necessary to prevent any side-to-side swing. Do not allow anyone to stand behind the boat or under the mast while it is being raised. When the mast is upright, lock the winch to hold it in place while you adjust the mast wire tension and connect the bridle wires to the furler drum. Note that if the mast wires were correctly tensioned the last time the mast was lowered, they should not require further adjustment when the mast is raised. When the mast is properly tensioned, remove the Mast Stepper III pole system for sailing.