main rigging

hey matt, I've been wanting a 194h for some time now, but knowing that my 1971 16 has the two (brackets?) on the boom... I have 1 triple block that was on the boom, but nothing for the bottom, and no cleats. would you recommend going ahead with drilling into the boom and getting the 104h or maybe should I think about going back to the old system? thanks, willy

No cleats? You are better off with the original 5:1 and cleats! You can convert the original to 6:1 too. That requires one more return, so a single with becket would need to be a double on the boom.

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

thanks, my '71 came with only a single triple block, for the boom, no cleats. I'm back and forth on what to do. I have only seen 1 pic showing the 5:1 rigging and I can't for the life of me find an old enough owners manual that might describe this system. Any recommendations? I'm looking at a place called vela based out of texas that has a reasonable price for a lower triple if I want to drill my boom and convert to 6:1. anyone have an opinion on that? I'd rather get used original parts but I really can't find them, which surprises me since so many people have converted to the smaller main blocks. so the questions are where can I get a diagram of 5:1 setup and is vela reputable

We have a 5:1. Suits our needs.

_________________
Bryan
Poplar Grove, IL
1977 Hobie 16 (died a spectacular death https://youtu.be/Y7O22bp2MVA)
1978 Hobie 16

I guess I’m missing something - if you already have a single triple for your upper block, then why would you need to drill your boom? A 1971 Hobie 16 should have come with two main block hangers on the boom for the (then) stock 5:1 system. But regardless, with a triple upper block, you only need one hanger anyway, so no drilling or riveting should be needed.

I don’t see any point in going to a 5:1 system, if you already have the triple upper block, then you’re already half way towards a low profile 6:1 system. You just need to get a triple lower hexaratchet style block (with cleat) for your lower.

sm

the boat only came with one triple, 57 mm, no cleats so it's for upper. I'd like to get a used lower locally if I can, but... I think it was on joseph bennet's channel that was saying because 5:1 has a center between the two hangers, when converting to a 6:1 you should add a hanger right between the two. I'm not going to be racing, so would this matter much?

Just attach the triple to the existing aft boom bale.

sm

thanks, I'll play around with that first. aft. All I want to do is fish, and there have been more and more sightings of great whites in my area, OVER 16 feet, so I will feel better if i'm not on a 7 foot kayak!

does anyone have experience with the viadana brand blocks? they're half the price, so it's tempting unless there's a good reason not to.

does anyone have experience with lewmar? it seems like their 60mm could work for my triple lower wit cam... matt, the hobie dealer in sd told me that they can't get the h194 but they have an equivalent at a similar price.

_________________
I was going to procrastinate, but I think I'll do that tomorrow...