Hobie Cat Forums

The Cat House Key was the name brand for a old school all purpose hobie tool and a beer opener. Maybe Hobie Matt knows where there is a secret load of this great tool. The current hobie tool is poorly designed in my opinion. I have to keep a eye on my old stuff to keep my son from taking it away.
Another old school thing gone is Taylor Made leather sailing gloves .they were great but no longer made.
Don't forget Birdwell Beach Britches which are the finest sailing shorts EVER I have found them on the internet for 61 bucks Note do not get white or yellow your wife or girlfriend will not let you wear them
Former Hobie Admiral Gary

The Hobie Tool was designed by SSI (Hugh Greenwald) and came to us back in the day when Hobie bought his business... he still works here by the way. It has features that the Cat (House) Key did not. Cat House is still around via Chris Jerrnigan I'd bet. He bought Cat House when he was a dealer in San Diego (Wind and Sea Sports) You might see him at some west coast events. Not sure about the key or even how to contact him anymore.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Oh... and to the point of the original post... yep, tape is best. Boots are good too, but boots can catch on the rings and pull them out too, so as noted by Big Whoop... tape and boots! Always check rings ... every sail. Always test shackles... every sail. I use vise grips, pliers or cat keys on shackles.

And if all that fails? Maybe someone is messing with your boat.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA