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older wildcat
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Author:  hobie18rich [ Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  older wildcat

What changes have been made between new and 2009 wildcats? Any problems to be concerned about?

Author:  Johnny Wildcat [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Rich...

There have been a few changes. These are the upgrades I did to my 2010 Wildcat:
1.) Mast step - originally just had a socket that the mast rotated on. No stepping mechanism. Upgrade now has a forked socket that engages the mast post under the metal rotation ball. This was a retrofit kit included with the boat when I got it.

2.) Rudder arms - original set up had the "gear shift" knob at the end of a stainless/fiberglass arm. These were breaking at the stainless/fiberglas crimp. The original retrofit kit was to replace with a aluminum tube/knob but these were failing at the weld between the tube and stainless nut (dissimilar metals). They have since between replaced with stainless tubes/knobs and work fine.

3.) Daggerboard uphaul - new boats now come with grooves in both the DB's and hulls to accommodate an uphaul line. My boat does not have the hull grooves. I purchased only one new DB with the grooves (for the port side) and installed a uphaul system. Works great.

4.) Mast Rotation Release - another kit available from Hobie or you can make one yourself. Allows for quick blowing of the rotator when transitioning downwind. This works great also.

5.) Rotator Markings on trampoline - new boats come with markings on the tramp in the shape of an arc. This allows you to make consistent adjustments in mast rotation. I added marks using a colored liquid plastic that is waterproof and wear resistant. Magic marker doesn't hold up and is hard to see on black tramps.

6.) Rudder Pins - Pins have been modified slightly from a welded "button" at the top to a welded "tab" that is inserted into a slot on the rudder system. This makes the pins stationary in reference to the rudders...rotating at the gudgeons instead of the rudder housing. Also makes it easier to engage the keeper pins.

7.) Snuffer - I upgraded to a SNU

That's it for now...can't wait to see what other stuff they've modified :wink: Good luck.

John 8)

Author:  Jbernier [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Thanks JB for your reply to Rich - the mast step and rudder arms were all upgraded from the first batch of boats - so they should all have the current system. Our demo boat that Greg and I sail has those updates, but we never installed the mast step but still have it ready if and when we ever find the time to do the swap.

Rich - you talk the wife into making the switch???

We have blue in stock!!! haha

Author:  Johnny Wildcat [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

JB -
Did I miss anything? :lol: Is there something new I should be warned about? :lol:

The Other JB

Author:  Jbernier [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Nope - I think you covered it just fine :)

The (original) JB :)

Author:  hobie18rich [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

What about the new special kit you were talking about? Or is that just a west coast secret?

Thanks for the info guys.

Author:  Johnny Wildcat [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

West coast secret? Come on JB...I'm a left coaster at heart...spill the beans :lol:

The Other JB

Author:  Jbernier [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Sorry, but it's so special that even I don't know what it is...and I work for Hobie Cat.
See ya out on the water soon boys. Rich - you coming down for SD Noods in March? Should be fun!

Author:  hobie18rich [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

We have a schedule conflict but we are working on it.

Author:  dwight916 [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

So did Daisy let you go for an upgrade Rich???......

Author:  hobie18rich [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

dwight916 wrote:
So did Daisy let you go for an upgrade Rich???......


As of this time I am still on the Tiger for this year.

Author:  hobie18rich [ Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Tigerboy1 wrote:
West coast secret? Come on JB...I'm a left coaster at heart...spill the beans :lol:

The Other JB


1. Main sheet system from 10:1 to 12:1 (see ill.). The change is inside the current class rules/building specification.

2. Main sail – sail curve optimized to the fuller – panels and measurements remain unchanged. The change is inside the current class rules/building specification.

3. Daggerboards will be lengthened 30cm. This has been done to steady the boat in certain conditions. This change does require approval with comment period till Deadline: 18:00 CET, February 28, 2012. The longer dagger boards will be class legal as of April 1, 2012 if accepted. See daggerboard document below for full details

Author:  Karl Brogger [ Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Holy crap! 12:1 main?

Author:  MBounds [ Sun Jan 29, 2012 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

Karl Brogger wrote:
Holy crap! 12:1 main?

Not just that - how about boards that are over a foot longer?

They're almost 7' long. That's nuts.

Author:  Johnny Wildcat [ Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: older wildcat

I'll bet you'll see more really short DB's after a rough day...when they snap off at the keel :P Where's the point of diminishing returns?

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