I rescued a 1975 Prindle 16 a couple of years ago that had rotted in someones backyard for 18 years. It was a 2 year project boat but well worth the effort.
I replaced the tramp on the boat and also purchased from SLOsail in California. Very reasonably priced but I noticed that they have raised prices this summer. You still won't find anything in the same price range. The tramp that I ordered did not fit. I called him up and explained the problem. He had a brand new tramp to me in 5 days along with a box and label to cover return shipping. A great product and excellent service!
Since I have an older version of the boat, I understand your frustrations with the owners manual which is for the newer models. It will work.
Jib blocks - the blocks are attached to the base of the shroud adjusters by a short length of stainless braided wire (jib bridle wire). Use a clevis pin to attach one of the thimbles to the base of the adjuster. Do this on both sides. Attach the jib block to the opposite thimble with a shackle. Then use the line demonstrated on pages 6 and 7 of the manual to tie the two blocks together, passing the line through the holes in the tramp. The picture on the center left of page 7 demonstrates this best. As for the jib clew blocks - I hooked the two together using a quick twist halyard shackle (with a guard pin). I locked the blocks within the guard and then can quickly clip the assembly onto the jib even in heavy wind.
Jib - This one took me a while. I got ahold of Stan at Murrays.com who is an expert with the older Prindles. He answered every question that I had. You might consider measuring your bridle wires and forestay and give him a call to verify that these are the right parts. If the boat is old, you will want to replace all of the standing rigging anyway (read the posts on this website regarding this topic!). Attached to the mast horn is a short pigtail called the upper forestay - about 12 inches long. It is connected to a jib halyard block and then the remaining lower forestay is attached to the other end. This attaches to the bridle wires through an adjuster. Within the center of the jib halyard block is a sheave (metal or synthetic) which the jib block wire rides around. One end of the wire attaches to the top of the sail and the other end attaches to a sheet which wraps around a cheek block at the base of the mast, through a down haul block and then to a cleat on the mast. The Hobie Cat manual (Jib sail section) demonstrates this best although you are problably familiar with it.
A lot of information, most of it from trial and error. I can get down to the lake and take some pictures of my setup if it would help. Let me know how it goes and check out Murrays.com for your supplies. They have never let me down.
edited by: Prindle75, Jul 30, 2008 - 02:03 AM
