Are you allowed to reinforce equipment on the cat to make it stronger if you're going to be racing? Back in the 70s, when Hobies came with 1/8
stays, we would change them for 1/4
. We got a guy from a local hardware store to make them. Also, the Hobie 14 didn't come with a reinforcement bar under the beam like the 16 did, so we added one. Is this allowed if you're going to be racing? Would these changes disqualify the boat from a specific category?
It will depend on the racing you want to do. One design can be very strict. It is best to ask others in the class you are racing in. Most will be OK w/ mods that are simply strength/durability related. Open class handicapped tends to be much more relaxed.
Primary question will always be: do the mods make the boat faster?
Hobie class racing requires only hobie specified parts be on the boat. The mods you describe would not be allowed in a class sanctioned event and you might get protested out of an open class event unless you add the appropriate adjustment factor to the boat rating.
note the that US Sailing rating system has a mutlihull adjustment factor table for the more common adjustments, and also a
catch all
for those not precisely specified.
Having a mod that has a negative affect on the performance is not a recourse...still needs the adjustment applied if it's not class legal.
Putting 1/4
cable on the shroud is a bit of overkill don't you think? 1/8
is good for about 2000 lbs tension. An H14 ain't going to go that high!
The Hobie Class is a strict one design, but making the boat stronger is allowed in most circumstances (as long as you don't make the boat faster). You should go to the HCA website and download a copy of the current class rules. Both of the modifications you mention are allowed (larger shrouds & dolphin striker). In fact, installing a dolphin striker on the front crossbar of the 14 is essentially required now that a trapeze is allowed.
sm
I got protested once for having too many telltales[woolies] on my mainsail!
Dart 18 has VERY strict rules! [Not necessarily a bad thing though]
Paul
Keep in mind also that the rules are interpreted such that modifications need to be specifically allowed in the rules - if it is not stated that the mod is allowed, then it is not.
Taken directly from the 2005-2008 rule book
INTERNATIONAL HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION GENERAL RULES
7. DESIGN FEATURES AND APPROVED
CHANGES
Nothing may be changed or removed from any
Hobie Cat that will in any way alter the structural
integrity, design function, or built in safety features
of the boat. All changes shall have prior
written approval. Provided they do not change
the basic design and configuration, approved
changes are: stronger gudgeons; stronger pigtails;
larger diameter wires and running rigging;
reinforced flanges not affecting water flow. Except
as allowed in these rules, any changes or
additions that in any way can be construed as
speed devices are not class legal.
HOBIE 14 CLASSIC / 14 TURBO CLASS RULES
9.2 A dolphin striker shall be added to the front
crossbar.
sm
cable on the shroud is a bit of overkill don't you think? 1/8
is good for about 2000 lbs tension. An H14 ain't going to go that high!
I don't think we knew that back then, but we used the cats daily for business. There were times when the 1/8" stays broke. The 1/4 stays lasted longer.
reinforced flanges not affecting water flow. Except
as allowed in these rules, any changes or
additions that in any way can be construed as
speed devices are not class legal.
Looks like larger stays would be OK.