I just purchased a 1981 Hobie 16. I am looking to add a spinnaker to it, I have seen several kits for sale online but they are rather pricey. Does anyone know of a good place to buy used (or somehow less expensive) ones or how to fabricate one?

I know of a place where I can get various scrap carbon fiber and or aluminum wisker polls/ old masts and booms/ any other kind of poll you can think of, as well as used blocks. I am pretty sure I could create the rig from that stuff. However, I do not have the dimensions for or know how a spinnaker rig is set up on a Hobie 16.

Is it possible to use a spinnaker from another similar boat, if so what?

Looking foreword to getting out on the water.

-Kris

I just bought a 1981 H16 last summer. I love it! Whats your sail pattern? I have "Cat Fever". Yeah, some of you will recognize this boat, I'm "swampcreek" over on the Hobie site. http://



edited by: nautical_howlin, Dec 23, 2007 - 02:21 PM

Just a note....

I got the same idea...to add a Spin to my H16...Used. I spent about 25 minutes on the phone with a Sail Shop in SF, Ca.
The bottom line, you need to get a Spin made for your boat...not just a spin that "will fit" because it is about the correct size. The depth of the pocket, location in the sail of the pocket, etc, etc. All important!
Otherwise...he had Spins that were only $2-300 for sale - used.


So, if anyone knows the "Sail Plan" or "Sail Design" of the H16 Spinnaker...I'd be very interested in those specs...
When we get those specs, we can then call a Sail Shop and see if they have a Spin to match.

you could fabricate your own pole with alum or carbon or fiberglass. you certainly can use your own blocks and sheets.

you can purchase a separate snuffer system and do it all yourself (minus the spinnaker unless you know how to knit real well)

in the end.. you will probably spend a fair amount of money... (as the sail,snuffer and hardware aren't cheap).

I would probably suggest you purchase the pre fab system and it eliminates ALL the guess work and will save you tons of time and headache.. (and let you sail faster)..

You may have already seen this, but here is a diagram with some rigging dimensions that Hobie has created. http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/40998010.pdf
That won't answer your questions about the sail but it may help some.

AJ Sawyer
H16 w/ Spin

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AJ Sawyer
Nacra 20
San Diego, CA
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No matter how you slice it, a spin system is pricey. The minimum I've been able to figure out how to do it with my boat even with used parts is about $1000. I'm going to need a few more seasons sailing without it before I can justify the expense.

D.

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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I've spent about $350 - $400 so far on halyards, sheets and hardware (all new) and still don't have the spin. The snuffer was given to me. Been looking all winter for a reasonable (whatever that means) spin. BTW, the specs on "http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/40998010.pdf" are inaccurate. Recommended pole length is 10'-7" and not 9'-2". Do extensive research. Measure twice, cut once. The location of your hardware can be critical.