Monohull guy back to a Cat

Wanted to say hello and extend a thank you to all those here. Great site, super informative. I haven't sailed a cat since I was a teenager. Six months ago I got the "itch". I sold my last mono hull (Catalina 27) a couple years ago, work started to interfere with sailing. Set my priorities back in the correct order and now have the need for speed. Actually in better shape now then back then cruising with a couple of hot dogs and beer in hand. I have watched the H16s blast up to me curiously, stick with me for a moment like a porpoise, lose interest and drop back into lower gear and leave me behind. Super funny even for myself. I'm sure they knew I was trimmed out, running as fast as my rig could go.
After 6 months of searching, I am now the proud owner of one '84 H16 w/Blue Hawiian sails. These boats are amazing. Built to last, especially in comparison to a few I owned. I was incredibly surprised when I started looking at the first few boats. Jeez, could you abuse a boat any worse?? As forgiving as these little guys seem to be, I could not believe the lack of care (or safety) that some sailed these in. My new to me bouncing white hull baby is in super condition. Garage kept with the exception of the mast. Not one piece missing. This guy was anal about his possessions. Though his son was on the berm of tricking it out. I saved this 16. We'll call it a "rescue".
This forum helped me to understand what was "acceptable" in regards to cost to replace and what problem was a deal breaker. Like most, I am not dumping a lot of dough (in parts) in this. Done it before, keeping it simple now.

Sorry for the autobiography, lots of question to follow soon..

Southeast of Disorder
'84 H16
Blue Hawiian sails

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Southeast of Disorder
'84 H16 Blue Hawaiian

Welcome to the fray. I, on the other hand, have been searching for a monohull. I don't intend to give up the H16, but sometimes I would prefer a relaxing sail with 4 or 5 friends. Aint gonna happen on a 16. At any rate, glad you're on board and post a few pics.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

I am also looking for a Mac 25 or a Catalina 25, had a couple before and loved them ,, will never stop Hobie sailing !!!

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Bodhisatfa

I own both a Hobie 16 and an 18' Marshall Cape Cod catboat. They are 2 totally different types of sailing. The Hobie is pure fun while the catboat is more of a social, laid back pastime. I don't want to give up either one but if a choice had to be made, I would keep the Hobie. There are times when I would take the Hobie to the lake, sleep on the catboat, then sail the Hobie the next day.

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Howard

Thanks guys.
The Cat' 25 is a good, social cruiser. My first (like many here I'm sure) was the Cat' 22. You could rig/run/sail that sucker single EASILY. 25' much the same. The 27' was a little more comfy w/plenty of headroom. Cook, grill, listen to music, gotta love the little autohelm. Vastly different from my soon to come H16 sailing. I'll share pics soon.

Hey, I never really noticed in my teenage years the mast/step mating area on the Hobies'. Yep, I'm nervous. Have gotten accustomed to large bolts on static anchored masts! With the H16s forestay "tight" and the single shrouds snugged up, is that oversize black flag pole gonna pop out?? Thats' a lot of sail area for such a small boat! I've read a horror story or two here, snapping a shroud. My factory ones look great but, I am still going to replace them for piece of mind. $100.00 well spent in my book.

Thoughts?



Southeast of Disorder
'84 H16 Blue Hawiian

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Southeast of Disorder
'84 H16 Blue Hawaiian

I have never seen a mast "pop out" of the socket except when a shroud or forestay break. Remember that there are two forestays. The first one that holds up the mast until you put up the sails and the second one is the wire in the jib. It is what tensions the rig while the first one goes slack. I have been sailing my Hobie for 25 years.

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Howard

JRagg slammed into the base of my mast and it popped out...during a capsize...damn he's tough...and a big dude.

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Sheet In...Max Out
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