of course hobie sells this product but are there other suppliers?, if so who--mangled mine, i have read guys picking up 2 and having one as a spare--thanks in advance!
I am pretty sure it is a Hobie-specific product. You will either have to order from one of the Cat suppliers or a Hobie dealer. Catsailer.com has worked very well (and fast) for me if you are comfortable with ordering online.
-buy a spare too.
Dave
Yo Dave, out of curiosity, how much did you pay for your step-links? The way you recommend getting two makes it seem 'cheap'? I've reverted to using a rope, which with the right technique is very quick. But the step-link is way better..just expensive here? 
They cost about $25USD.
Last time I checked it was just under 50USD here.. 
That depends on how the exchange rate goes of course...
Clint,
I do not have my receipt handy, but if my memory serves, I think I paid around $50 canadian for two kits. This is a little cheaper than Jaime`s price. However, with the amount of little parts I have ordered over the past months, I could be mistaken. Then again, Jaime has been in the desert a long time!
I think that building your own step link would be pretty darn easy with a drill and chopsaw (metal saw). It may be worth it given what they cost you down there.
Hey Clint, I was out on my cruiser the other day and came across another boat with the same Zulu name that you use. Just curious...what does Dubulamanzi mean?
Dave
Yo Fasttape, Not sure where you live, but you need the murrays catalog. The link I inherited with my H16 was also mangled. Not sure if I ordered it's replacement from this website's catalog or elsewhere, but the one I have now is heavy duty and way better than the old one. I step (solo) everytime I sail, and although you have to remove the HD hinge, it has proven vastly superior to the old one. $25. in Murrays catalog page 27. I think catsailor has same price.
# 21380001 in the Hobie Parts Catalog $16.80 each.
I redesigned the Hobie link in the late 80's or early 90's. Has a welded strut between the two contacts where it hits the step casting. A sleeve between the area that it pins to the step casting and heavier pins. All keeps the link from distorting.
Matt,
What a shame. I guess the fact that the redesigned Hobie step link does not appear with a price anywhere in the Hobie 2005-06 catalog is the fact that it's such a low cost item. Your description sounds like the product is much improved. I had no way to know this from the catalog. Thanks for your post!
Hi Dave
Dubulamanzi means to shoot the water.
Dubu means shoot and amanzi is water.
Its pronounced, Doo-boo-la-a-maan-zee
From chatting to some guys, it should actually be Dabalamanzi as Daba means to slice..hence slice the water. But i'll stick with this one for now:) I just wish the damn stickers were not that big... 
...very cool name Clint! I like the "big stickers" too - can be easily recognized on the water.
Dave
We have never shown the link in the catalogs except as a part in the diagrams and price list in the back. It is there.
Hi guys,
do you know if it's possible to use Hobie part #21380001 (the mast step link) on older boats? Like the ones having that tooth-like extrusion at the mast base? I suppose you'd have to drill a hole in there...
Best regards,
H77
Yes, you can adapt the old boats for a step link. Cut of the hook, drill a hole in the base nub that is left and remove the pin in the step.