Hobie Cat Forums

Just sailed my 1981 Hobbie 16 for the first time. The tiller extension handle get int the way of the main sheet block (cleat) when coming about. is this normal or do I have something rigged wrong? thanx-----Howard

It is normal. You will get used to flipping it back and around the block as you come about. Sometimes I just let it drag in the water until I get to the other side.

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Howard

Thank you "hrtsailor", that's very helpful!

Just throw it overboard and pick it back up after you cross under the boom. Be advised if your sailing shallow water and blow your tack it can get stuck in the sand and possibly break.

I appreciate the help with my tiller issue. Surprised they made it this way but then I'm new to Hobbie's.

There really is no other way to arrange the tiller. If you brought it in front of the main blocks, then the tiller extension would hit the mast (and crew) when you tacked because you would have to swing it forward. This is the same tiller & mainsheet arrangement used on just about 100% of all beach cats.

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I have been surprised by this also. I moved up from a Bravo, which does not have this issue and was startled by the blocks knocking the handle out of my hand when the boom came over while jibing. So...you are supposed to just hang onto the tiller crossbar while changing directions?

That's what I do. Works great.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

It's a common beach cat "problem"... Just takes getting used to. Once you have the hang of it, it will be second nature.

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2011 H16... Have a Hobie Day!
1983 H14 Turbo...