I have a 92 Hobie 20. I noticed the boom seemed really low so I compared it to other H 20's. The gooseneck on my mast is ~6" from the base, while the rest of the 20's at my club are ~10". Also the rotation arm is mounted above the boom. It looks like a "factory" job with stainless diamond shaped reinforcement plates on the mast where the wishbone is mounted to the mast. It looks like the rotator was mounted at the base at one point because the holes where the cleats would mount on the trampoline track are stipped out.
So, does anyone know what the deal is with the boom location? Has Hobie changed that spec in the last 10 years? My boat is one of the first(#141). Also, any ideas for taking care of those stripped holes for the cleats.
Finally, have there been any changes other than switching from Skip Elliot sails?
Thanks
Scott Tuttle
H 20 #141
Hi Scott,
I don't know about the boom location, but can offer some insight on the sail changes. I have a 1995 Hobie 20, and the Skip Elliot sails are MUCH fuller than the current cut. I had my SE main recut by Calvert, and it had roughly 9" of luff curve built in, and when they were done, it had 4 or 5. The current sails I believe are also in the 4 to 5 range.
I also just purchased a very lightly used 1998 main, and I love it! Rumored to be quite similar to the current cut.
The other item of interest that I've noted on old vs new, is that the old sails had a shorter luff. I laid my SE main on top of a new main, and found the luff in the new main to be at least 3 inches longer than the SE main.
There have been several changes since 1992. The ones I can think about off the top of my head:
1. Different rotation system. I believe they've gone to Nacra style, but it definitely is not what you have.
2. Boards held up using side loaded bungee system, instead of shimming the trunk.
3. Tramp pocket added. Your barber hauler wire is exposed. 1995 and newer have a pocket that covers the wire.
4. Carbon blocks? I think they may have gone to carbon blocks on the mainsheet, but am not sure.
5. Hull rumored to be more durable. I think they may have added some bulkheads, or they're glassing them in better now than in 1992.
Other changes, I don't know, but perhaps someone else will chime in!
Good luck,
Tim J.
My 1997 H-20 has the gooseneck located almost 12" from the base.