Driving me battens.

I've been searching for a while, using the lovely search function and have come up with several useful tips. From these tips, I have come up with a few questions that I am having trouble finding answers too.

The boat is a totally stock 79/80. It's old, but fairly solid and I figure I can replace things over the next few seasons and have a nicer boat. I will be primarily single handing the boat on a recreational basis, so I want it to be more user friendly and less class legal.

Here is what I've decided to do, and my questions.


1) Install the halyard clips on the mast. Do I need to seal these so water doesn't get in through the rivets. Not that it matters the mast probably already leaks.

2) All my batten caps are shot, should I trim my battens and replace caps. OR should I replace the 28 year old battens with the superflex battens, since they're so cheap.

3) If i replace the battens, do the superflex battens come with caps?

4) look to upgrade to the aussie halyard...probably next summer.

1) Yes, try to keep the mast sealed... or use a mast float.

2) Yes, trim the jib battens to fit the pockets and replace the caps.

3) Yes small caps come on the Super jib battens

4) The Aussie jib halyard is nice, but certainly not necessary.

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

On other tip, especially if you are singlehanding, cut the jib battens as short as you can, and still get tension on them. Mine stick out 1/8" past the back edge of the jib, and the line to tie them actually goes over the end of the batten cap. This will help the jib rotate thru on tacks.
Also, to keep the main halyard from hanging up the jib, I take it back around behind the shrouds and trapeze wires, before cleating it down. It pulls that main halyard off to the side.. I suppose a halyard clip would do the same, but I have always used the halyard clip on just the jib. (less holes in the mast). admittedly I am out of touch with current thinkling on all this., but I did have a 1978 16 for 10 years, my "new " boat is a 1983.

_________________
Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888