Anchor plate needed for shrouds on pre-1984?

Hey,

I'm currently in the process of overhauling a 1980 Hobie 18, which we sail around Cape Cod (Buzzards Bay and Vinyard Sound). The hulls are both 1980s, matched, but the mast, boom and crossbars are different ages, but all in decent shape. I read that the anchor plate kits aren't required for the crossbar mounts in pre-1984 H18s, and I haven't seen any stress cracks there yet. However, a broken shroud (original 1980 I guess) dislocated my shoulder last year (I was trapezing, mast came down, I went flying, you can guess the rest). I got new shrouds, but am keen to avoid a repeat of my flying lessons, so my main question is:

Do I need the anchor plate kit for the shrouds on the pre-1984 Hobie, or is there enough glass that it's fine with just the old-style anchor (without the bolts). I'm generally of the"don't fix it if it ain't broke" school and can't imagine drilling 5 holes into the hull will do a lot to improve the structural integrity of the boat unless I put a lot of glass on the inside to compensate for it.

On an unrelated note, we put 2 strips of 6" Kevlar at the bottom and I'm currently fairing it, I'll upload a picture as soon as the hull is primed and painted and has new decals and a pro-grip non-slip tape on the deck.

Thanks in advance,

Julain

Yes.

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

Thanks a lot for the quick answer! Is it enough to just bolt the thing in, or should I reinforce it? In case of having to reinforce it, how much glass would you use?

Thanks,

Julian

Bolts should be all you need.

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

I have an 83 H18. How do I know if it has the new vs old shroud anchor plates?

There is no "old" shroud anchor plate. They were added to new boats in the early 80's and are suggested for all year models.

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

If you have something that looks like the "ANCHOR PLATE KIT 64100001" (in http://2010.archive.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/PARTS_18.pdf, first page) on both hulls under the shrouds, you have it, if it's a straight stainless steel U-shape (not really an "anchor") that's under the outside rail, you need to upgrade.

You can get them from your local Hobie dealer or online, I've had great experiences with backyardboats.com and have just ordered my kit there.


Julian

If you haven't already, you should probably also consider changing the shroud anchor pins (threaded eyes that connect the shroud adjusters to the anchor plates). If they're original 1980 pins, then they're long overdue for replacement.

sm

Thanks for the tip, I added the shroud anchor pins to my order. $27 a piece seemed like a lot, but I guess it's pretty much the going rate for a forged stainless steel eye bolt of that size... The ones I had were the old style that was welded, so I'm glad I'm upgrading this. Do I need to replace the twist toggle as well? It seems to be forged from one piece and looks in great shape.

Julian

Unless the twist toggle has visible damage, it's probably fine. Yea, the anchor pins are pricey, but when you're in the middle of the bay with your mast floating in the water beside your boat, you won't really be too concerned about the $27 you saved. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet.

sm

Yeah, I have a 1978 Hobie 18 and I put on the anchor plate kit and new shroud pins for my boat. Not worth having the rig go over the side. Ryan