Hobie Cat Forums

So I was thinking last night while our new baby wouldn't let us sleep...

The mast base allows for a H16 and H14 mast...and I've actually been looking to de-power the H16 at certain times (we can get a lot of wind here...especially for taking beginners out). Would it be possible to get an H14 mast/sails/rigging to work on the 16.

Or, better yet (just thought of this as I was typing the above message), could I just run a smaller sail (either from the H14 or another boat).

It may work but I'm sceptical. I don't think that you could just put H14 rigging directly onto a H16 without some adjustments. First off, the shrouds would be too short because the H16 attaches to the hull and the H14 attaches to the side bar. Second, the beam of the H16 is about 3" wider than the H14 which could mess up the geometry of the bridles, thus throwing off the forestay length.

It may be possible with custom standing rigging though...

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-Zach
Hobie 16 for sale
West Lafayette, IN (school)
Melbourne, FL (summer)

reef the main

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Bodhisatfa

I agree - reef the main, if you have older boat.

Newer boats do not have the reef grommets on the sails. I do not know what year they quit installing them.

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1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise - still own
2008 Hobie 16 (currently sailing the crap out of this boat)
1977 Super Sunfish
John

Just buy a 14 sail, and build a wire pigtail between the headboard and the halyard.

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Jeff
1986 Hobie 18 #13031
1977 Hobie 16 (As soon as I can get it out of a field...)

Presto, could you please explain the wire pigtail?

And I thought about reefing, but I've heard the grommets are weak and I didn't want to risk ripping the sail.

the ones on the sides are strong the ones in the middle arnt made to take weight.

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http://youtube.com/optikid16030

1983 Hobie 16 Cat fever #55697
2008 Laser Radial/4.7 #190471
S.S.S.
S.Y.S.P

The "pig tail" would need to be wire or dyneema, and approximately 4'-3" long (Difference in mast lengths. Basically, it would be an extension of the halyard that allows you to raise a Hobie 14 main with the the Hobie 16 halyard, and engage the hook on the front of the mast. In my opinion this is the easiest way to put a Hobie 14 sail on a 16, as this requires no premanant modifications to the boat, no need for a second mast or custom rigging. Find a 14 getting parted out and buy the sail and boom, make the pig tail, enjoy.

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Jeff
1986 Hobie 18 #13031
1977 Hobie 16 (As soon as I can get it out of a field...)

Prestos suggestion will work as it brings up fond memories of some sailing days in North Myrtle Beach in the late 80s. We rigged a 14 mainsail on a 16 and would go out in near gale winds and see just how much it the boat would take. It's a miracle we didn't get hurt but, man we had some wild rides.

Thanks, Presto!

If it is to windy to sail stay on the beach
The use of the 14 sail on a 16 is not a good idea
Captain know your limits
Just got back from Edisto Beach SC
Wind gusting to 30
The Hobie 16 was a great place to sit and support a cooler full of beer
Former Hobie Admiral Gary

Any time.

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Jeff
1986 Hobie 18 #13031
1977 Hobie 16 (As soon as I can get it out of a field...)