Took my new to me 28 year old Hobie 16 out for a sail yesterday. Im pretty much done going through things except Hobie Bob which is on order. Hopefully a picture from yesterday shows up below
I was singlehanded and mast raising (home brew gin pole) went well. The bolt rope of main got stuck good in the slot when I was rigging and Ill need to get some lube. It occured to me that the mast track slugs would make this a lot easier but for some reason everyone uses the bolt rope.
I had a problem with the rudder cams popping in the rudder down position when the rudders were still up. This happened during some excitment when I was getting ready to launch so ended up sailing with the rudders not locked in but in the fully down position. Boat was still very nicely balanced but Ill have to get the cam thing figured out in case this happens again. Ive used a lever to pop the cam into the rudder up position but had no way to do this out on the water.
I also ended up with a couple quarts of water in the hulls. I suspect the plugs were not in tight enough as I dont think there are any leaks in the hulls.
The wind died when I was out on the lake.. It occured to me that a little "lightweight manual outboard" somehow using the Hobie kayak pedal drive would have been nice to get back with.
Overall, what a great little sailboat. Very enjoyable single handed and I think its going to be huge fun with some company. I almost feel guilty about how much I have into the boat..
