I just inherited a Hobie 16 and I'm a pretty green sailor. I've sailed H14's solo before so I know I'll grow into
the craft. My question is: Before I sail the boat what should I check out? I gave it a once over before I
accepted it and it looked like it was in good shape. The mast looked good, the shrouds were taught, the hulls were firm, the tramp was old. I'm assuming that I'll need to replace the tramp and sails.
Being an inexperienced sailor, and Cat owner, I need to know what specifically to look for as far as wear and tear. I want to make sure the boat is safe. Any guidence would be appreciated.
Regards... Mike
So glad to hear you have a H16. I loved my 14 for many years and then got a 16 after longingly looking at the sterns of those that passed me on the lakes. It sounds like you checked out the most important ingredients. If the tramp holds you and the sails go up, sail it. But, check your hulls frequently (at first) for leakage. I've been told the mast needs to be sealed to avoid turtling. Make sure you have righting lines on your boat. Someone will recomend some books for you. I remember the first lesson I read. It said in essence,
An accidental jibe is the most frequent cause of capsizing.
I said,
I won't do that!
Naturally, I did that on the lake and learned what an accidental jibe really was. Lessons would be nice. Or you could do it the hard way like I did.
Keep posting.
I am sure there are extremely experienced sailors who can give you a lot more information than a self taught old sailor like me.
Greg H14,H16
You can find my response to your question on the Hobie 16 forum on this web site. I posted there so the rest of the H16 sailors can read it as well and reply to your question.
Congrats on your new cat. I'm sure your going to love sailing it and enjoy making a lot of great new friends.
First of all check out the archives of the On The Wire Ezine - http://www.catsail.com - a lot of great info on maintenance, repairs, and equipment.
Check:
Hulls - any soft spots in hulls will need to be repaired to insure the boats stability - very important!
Shrouds - should be replaced every 5 yrs whether used or not - check for broken strands where the chrouds are looped at the ends.
I'd replace the righting lines just for safety's sake - Do not sail without one!
I'd probably replace the drain plugs and check the rudder pins and transoms.
Good Luck and happy sailing
Lance
Hobie 18 Magnum
St. Petersburg FL
Okay, here's an odd one, happened to me with my first H16.
You probably won't encounter this problem, but it's so annoying and cleverly hidden, it's worth menetioning.
It seems for a year or two, Hobie shipped the jib battens with little hinges in them, about 6 inches from the leach (traliling edge) The hinges are supposed to allow the jib to cross the boat during a tack easier, then 'lock up' on the new tack.
Problem is, when they get old, they stop locking, so your jib gets a hook in it.
Don't Worry, these little devils are rare, I'm told, and most people I spoke to said just take 'em out. I re-used all my old battans, bu cutting them down for the next higher slot, and so only had to lay out a couple o' bux for one lower jib batten.
Sail fast, and watch that leeward bow on a downwind reach!
(Counterintuitively, when you're pointing really deep, like 45 degrees off of true downwind, you need to point DEEPER if your overpowered!!! )
Right, Rick?