How do I go about retrofitting an old mast? Or, is it cheaper to just buy a used mast with the comp tip?
If you buy a new comp tip it will have instructions to cut off the old tip and insert the new one. However, a used mast might be found for the price of a new comp tip.
OK, probably a stupid question, but where do I get a comp tip from? Hobie? Sailing Proshop has used masts for about $350.
Craig
The comp tip if definitely a Hobie product available from your nearest dealer which you can find at http://www.hobiecat.com
Or Murrays also sells Hobie items at http://www.murrays.com/
i got my comp tip from hobie (factory) afew years ago and it was free. they also installed it for free. try contacting them they just might give you one
the new tip was the result of a law suit (one source told me) i am not sure
I looked at the Murray's catalog and the Hobie catalog last night and didn't find anything so i emailed Hobie. Waiting to see what the answer is.
Craig
The only reason to install the Comptip on an old mast is for racing. In that case, I recommend buying a used mast with the Comptip installed. Don't "bobbitize" an old mast if you don't have to.
Hobie's free Comptip kit program expired a couple of years ago. I would be surprised if you will be able to get a free Comptip from the factory. A dealer may have a Comptip or two laying around.
My '98 Hobie catalog shows the Comptip as part #20611100, $556. Bet you can find a used mast for that.
The comptip program did come to an end a year or two ago. I saw the first prices that came out and they were all listed around $190 plus labor. Of course this depends what delear you bring it to. If you had a comp tip and you are replacing it for whatever reason you have to pay the full price which is what you said below. I have seen plenty of 16 masts in good shape for sale for $100 to $150. That is less than the comp tip and would be your best bet if there are any in your area.
-Todd
I bought a comtip from:
Sail & Trim
6921 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28411
For $140.00
Doesn't include a Halyard
I do not have their phone number; here is Don's email: