Newbie

I'm going out next week with a buddy that has a H16 from the mid-70's. He's less experienced than me on a cat (believe it or not), and wants me there for moral support/ballast. My only cat experience is on a Wave and a Getaway, both new boats. Is there anything I should know about an older H16 to prepare, differences, rigging, things to be aware of, etc.? TIA!

The 16 will feel lively and powerfull. They are allot of fun!

The 16 has more power, is lighter and has smaller bows.

You need to rake the mast aft on a 16. Rig the mast so the mainsheet blocks nearly touch when fully sheeted. That is done by adjusting the side stays and tensioning the jib halyard.

Keep your weight aft when reaching. The bows are not forgiving like the Getaway and there is allot more power than the Wave. Be ready to move forward or aft to balance the hulls. Driving the bows down is faster, but risky at the same time.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Tack as gradually as possible. Turn the tiller slowly and let your jib backwind or you'll never get the boat around the corner. If you jam the tiller and hope to turn on a dime, your cooked, especially in light air, so take your time and use your speed and the wind to help as much as possible.
If this is your first experience with a 16, maybe bring some extra shorts too cause th difference in power and speed can do weird things to your bladder.
If he has Traps, use them whenever possible. I have sailed and raced Lazer II, Fireball, Lightning and 470 and there is something about standing on the rail of a Hobie that will change your life.
Have fun!!!!

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Gotta love Hobie!

Thanks guys! Last night, the weather cooperated enough to take my buddy's H16 out (#1253). It was a blast! It was considerably more awkward/time consuming to rig/derig. For example, tensioning the wire in the luff of the jib detensioned the forstay, which seemed weird to me. The traveler was two opposed V-cleats. Quite tricky to use under tension. Other than that, it was a sloop-rigged sailing machine. Those hulls just sliced through the water. I used your advice about weight distribution, and it really helped tacking (almost to the point of getting some righting practice in). I felt much more on the cutting edge. Next week, we're going to take both his H16, and my Getaway out. I'm much more of a cruiser than a racer, so I'm happy with mine, but I can definitely see the attraction. I'll get off your forum now.