Hobie 14/16 parts help

I recently required a H16 that needs a little help. This is my first sailboat and I'm on a tight budget, so I'm trying to get the boat in decent shape without spending a ton of money. The material around the hole for the mast step on the plate has broken off, making it difficult to raise and lower the mast. The previous owner drilled a hole in it and tied a rope through to the ring on the mast base. I wanna replace the base plate and have found someone selling a H14 "platform" (not sure of the correct terminology) with all the crossbeams and bars and trampoline and mast plate.

My question is...
Can I use the H14 mast plate and trampoline on the H16? If not, what are my options? (Other than buying a new mast plate.)

I know that if I can, I will need to drill and tap the plate for the dolphin striker rod, no big deal. The trampoline on the 16 doesn't need replacing, I would just like to have a spare.

Thanks

Welcome to H16s buddy, it's an obsession....

I'm not 100% certain but I do think most of the H14/H16 parts are interchangeable. I'm pretty sure you will be able to use the same mast step even though I just saw a different part number in my brand spanking new catalog.

That said, what you will need to do soon, after a thorough inspection of the hulls and other major components (mast, boom, etc.), is survey the running and standing rigging. Make sure it is complete and safe, no frayed wires or ropes, no dry rot, no missing or jerry-rigged fittings, etc. You could very well be in need of a complete replacement of these parts.

Make sure the corner castings are in good shape with no cracks. If the tramp is in good shape with no rips or pulled grommets the I recommend moving on and spending your money elsewhere, you're probably going to need it.

What kind of shape is your jib gear? Inspect all of the sheaves (wheels) in all of your fittings. The old white ones were prone to sun/dry rot and some will likely need replacing.

Obviously if you can find a club nearby and get their advise then you will benefit from an extra set or two of experienced eyes that will likely give you great input in 30 minutes that will steer you the right way.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Depending on the age of the 14 mast step, it may not be directly compatible with the 16.

The dolphin striker on the 16 is threaded into the mast step. Older 14s didn't have dolphin strikers, thus no hole/threads in the mast step.

A 14 tramp frame (platform) is not compatible with a 16's. The tramp is significantly smaller.