New H16 Owner - Questions

I picked up a 1980 Hobie over the winter and I need to update a few things on it. Everything on the boat appears to be original and some parts are damaged. I was hoping you guys could answer a few questions for me or tell me where to look.

1) Mast Rake – I aware that the H16 sails much better when the mast is raked, what would I be required to replace? Im guessing I would need shorter shrouds and a longer forestay. I only have the 5:1 mainsheet system, can you rake and still use this system. The blocks make me a little hesitant to do the conversion this season as I don’t quite have the funds for them.

2) Forestay - The boat came with a furling jib system, and it appears no forestay. I do have a torn up jib, would I be able to cut the luff cable out and use that as a forestay assuming the mast is not raked?

3) Jib Halyard – I assume because of the furling system a jib halyard was not required. If I do end up using the furler I don’t want to leave the jib up all the time. Can I use the furler in conjunction with a halyard? Which halyard system would you recommend, Im only familiar with the Aussie?

4) Tiller Extension – Need a new tiller extension, should I go with a hotstick?

5) Jib cars – The sheaves on the current blocks are destroyed. I was looking at getting a pair of “LOW PROFILE SWIVEL WITH ROLLER FAIRLEADâ€

Yes, typically shorter shrouds. You can always use an additional adjuster or pig tail to lengthen the forestay. You can only rake back as far as the height of the main blocks allow. You have to do a bit of trial and error to set it up. Rake aft, tension the rig, sheet hard. Keep coming aft till the blocks touch, or nearly so, when fully sheeted. Newer mast step castings also allow for more mast rake.



May be pretty short. The new jib will have a luff wire sewn in. The "forestay" is only used to hold the mast up during rigging. It goes slack when the jib halyard is tensioned.



You can not rig the standard Hobie furling jib using a halyard. Would require a custom jib with a zipper luff.



Hot sticks are great. I like the adjustable length for most comfortable sailing on or off the trapeze especially. Longest length to let you get forward for downwind sailing. Shorten to get past the shroud wires easier... all good stuff.

[quote]5) Jib cars – The sheaves on the current blocks are destroyed. I was looking at getting a pair of “LOW PROFILE SWIVEL WITH ROLLER FAIRLEADâ€

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