Another rig down...

Broken homemade forestay. 15 to 18 knots, small surf. This is the 6th homemade rigging failure this year. Broke mast base, skipper was towed by state lifeguard boat. Rig was made to accommodate a Harken furler and swivel.







People always say that I'm trying to sell them something. I'll sell you waaaay more after the rig comes down.

J

I agree Jeremy, sometimes the stock stuff is still the best in the long run. notice all single crimps not double as Hobie recommends

It's not so much the single crimps - but if you're going to have single crimps, you need to have the tail of the wire protruding from the sleeve. The second crimp is really just to cover the bare end of the wire.

Look close, it's the wrong type of wire for a standing rigging part. Also note that the bridle is old on one end and new at the other. How often are you replacing your current rigging?

I sail out of MBYC in San Diego. One cat sailor dropped his rig in the ocean and was angry because the wire that parted was "only three years old". The boat is a N-20 and is stored with the rig up at the beach with rig tension. It is sailed every weekend by a big guy with a spinnaker and crew. Wire sets should be replaced every year. It is a lot less expensive than the tow or broken other parts. This guy was fortunate because the N-20 carbon mast is no longer available at any cost. He was going over to "have words" with the guy who sold him the last set of wires. My guess is the guy will say, "so you want to replace the rest of the set right?" If he does not, he is a fool.

So if you are a weekend sailor, never puts the boat in salt water, and only sails 5 months of the year, do you still think we need to replace the standing rigging every 24 months? I had my 85 16 for 25 yrs and never replaced the rigging, but I also do very careful inspections every week end. I purchased a new getaway in 06 and have been keeping an eye on the rigging but should I really replace the rig for the 2010 season?

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Yes! It is an inexpensive way to protect the crew on your boat. Salt water and air will destroy the rigging quicker, but there is no way to see under the nicro press fittings or the roller fittings to see what is really going on. Most wires break where you can not see the weakened area.

This is very timely thread for me - After more than 25 years and more than a few moves, I have recently purchased a Hobie 14 Turbo and am not only sailing again, but sailing Hobie cats once more! The great thing is that nothing seems to have changed! Same boats, same fun!

My 'new' boat is a 1983 model H14T which I bought second hand in reasonably good shape. I am wondering, however, if someone can tell me, or refer me to any posts/literature as to what kind of general maintenance is required/recommended on these boats? Generally what to check periodically, how often to replace things, and what/how to clean and lubricate?
(The boat sails in sweet water lakes only).

In addition to general maintenance, I have some specific questions:
- Rudder locking cams are very tight - any recommendations?
- A small amount of water (1-2 cups) comes out of each pontoon after 2-3 hours on the water - is this normal? Should I be looking for particular leaks? and if so typically where? (The hulls look clean, so I suspect either the plug/plug housing itself, or the trampoline base post joints.
- This is the first time I have a furler on my jib - any maintenance/lubrication?
- The jib blocks, the rear traveller and block, as well as the block and tackle on the mainsail are functional but stiff - once again, what maintenance / lubrication is recommended?
- Can I put two trapeze lines on this boat?

I have absolutely no problems replacing worn items with new factory recommended parts.
Many thanks in advance!