Hobie 21se worn crossbar DIY ~$500

Picked up a 21se earlier this year with some badly worn crossbar holes around the taper pins. A lot of movement when sailing, here's how I went about fixing it:
After some research I saw that Taper pins came in a standard sizes and the original pins were a #10, I needed to open up the holes to accept a #11 pin. I also wanted to replace the worn cross bar bushings, I picked up some 1/8" sheets of Delrin off ebay for $70. Since the OEM bushings were worn into the crossbar I decided to increase the width from 1" to 3". After applying some heat I was able to form and rivet in the new bushings:
I picked up a #11 tapered reamer online for $85 and using a 1/2" ratchet opened up the holes in the crossbeams. Rather than just use drill bits I wanted to ensure the holes in the crossbeams would have same taper as pins for a very secure fit.
I took some measurements and had taper pins made up, $90 a piece from a local turning shop. One thing to note is the welded loop nuts in front are 1/2-20 thread while the rear nylock nuts are 1/2-13 thread, I accidently made all of mine fine thread. No big deal, just had to buy two nuts. I also used a couple hoel saws to make up spacers with the remaining Delrin.
Edited by car_guy on Sep 12, 2019 - 04:23 PM.

VERY nice - that's a well executed/engineered repair. All properly done and stuff. Not like my hacks!
So, it looks like, about a $500 repair, but you have the beams back to factory or better.
Looks like that's "the way" to fix these as places like McMaster-Carr only have stainless taper pins up to #10, stock:
https://www.mcmaster.com/taper-pins
Thanks for sharing.


You will love it. Was out a few days ago in the Gulf chasing sea turtles and stingrays in very light wind, maybe starting out at 3-5, then only built to 5-7. Was absolutely wonderful cruising! That was relaxing, but the boat still moved out nicely.
Steve and I just took it easy and enjoyed a couple barley-pops, watching Galveston slide by...that's a good Saturday.


I didn’t get it from Mike, I got it from a guy who only had it a short time. I live in glastonbury, CT but plan on keeping it at Spicers Marina in Noank, CT next season. I’d love to bring it to next years Roton Point regatta but I may someone to volunteer as crew.
Reach out if you want any more info on fixing yours. It was a quick fix, longest part was waiting for shop to make my pins.
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