Can anyone help me learn to rig my boat?

I recently acquired my first Hobie, and need some help getting it set up. I should say I acquired my first TWO Hobies!

Boat #1 has useless hulls, entirely soft and de-lam'ed, but everything else is in good shape. All castings are good, sails are in good shape with a few minor wear holes in a couple of batten pockets, rudders are in fine shape, and the tramp is still solid, but it is from 1979 soooo.. This boat also came on a trailer that is roadworthy, but in only fair shape cosmetically. I couldn't pass this one up because I got it for $170.

Boat #2 has rock solid hulls (unfortunately someone painted them previously), and the sails are in good shape, but the rest of it is in fair-rough shape since it sat on the beach unused for 5+years.

I have MANY questions, But I will just start with a few.
First, does anyone have pictures of the boat rigged, or know where to find some? I know where the shrouds go, but that is the only thing I am positive about. I have looked at the original manual for it online, but the photos leave a bit to be desired.
Also, I am curious about some differences in the boats. Boat#1 has 2 bridles on the bow, and also 2 shroud stays on the hulls. I believe the 2 bridles are for an "aussie" jib setup, but again I'm not positive. If that is the case, what is the advantage of this setup, and is it worth it to transfer it to Boat #2 for a beginner?

I'll stop here for now, but more questions are sure to follow!!

Also

Congratulations! Welcome to the madness. Sounds like you have quite a project ahead of you. Try this FAQ to get you started:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12697

_________________
'81 H16

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

Also, on the Support page (link on top) you can find the manuals.
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/products/sailboats/

All cats need 2 briddles and 2 shrouds regardless of the jib setup. I suggest you go over the manual and learn to rig it and come back with specific questions either from reading or trying.

I'm lucky, I bought the boat rigged and had to derig it by myself. Rigging is reverse.

_________________
Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

jkwynn - Please tell us what city and state you live in and where you plan on sailing this summer. You'll get plenty of good advice on this forum, but what is even better is to have a live and knowledgable person nearby to help you - a nearby Hobie Fleet and/or Hobie Dealer. A local Hobie regatta or Fleet race would be the best!
Good luck!
Richard

I am in Dunedin Fl, and plan on sailing on the causeway if I ever get the nerve to take her sailing!

About the rigging, I wasn't real clear, but the boat has two SETS of each, forestay bridles with the 10 hole plates, and two shroud attachments on each hull, each with the 7 hole plate.

I am in the process of shopping for a new tramp for it, but can't spend the money for an OEM Hobie tramp. I am considering one from Tampa Catamarans since they are in-expensive, and I can pick it up local to avoid shipping.

And thanks for the FAQ link, I'm not sure how I missed it...

Pictures may help - How do you get two sets of that rigging on one boat???

As for the tramp, I bought after-market through eBay before knowing more about them. Since then I've read over and over and over about how the aftermarket ones may be cheaper to purchase but they don't last nearly as long as OEM.

I'm perfectly happy with mine and it's held up very well, but the old salts will tell you that in the end the OEM will last much longer and so will be cheaper in the long run. For what it's worth....

_________________
'81 H16

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

If you are in Dunedin and need help rigging your H16, I suggest you go to Dunedin Causeway on any Saturday or Sunday morning and ask around the cat crowd. You will get more help than you need. Everyone out there is very friendly and helpful and will get you on the water in no time.
Good Luck!

_________________
Eric Weller
2006 F18 Capricorn
1980 H16
Keep the pointy side up!

I finally got a few pictures of the rigging that I was wondering about.

First, this is the starboard bow, there were 2 bridles on each bow, each with adjusters.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/ ... hoto17.jpg

Then, there were 2 shroud anchor/adjusters on each hull..
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/ ... hoto16.jpg

Does anyone know the purpose of these extra fittings?

I think I have the basic rig figured out, and as soon as I put a new tramp on, I am going to have my wife help, and at least see if I can't get the mast raised.(Those pesky sails will come next)

well you are correct... you do have 2 attachment points. From what I can tell from the pictures your shroud anchor is currently in the correct position. the Bridle should go in the forward of the 2 holes.


My 3 theories for the 2 sets of holes are:
1) the existing structure is bad and needed new points to find enough meat to hold onto (if this is the case get it fixed before you go out)

2) someone got the wrong rigging and rather than fix it they drilled new holes

3) someone was experimenting with raking the mast and was a dumb azz.

actually it appears the dumb azz title fits all of the above.

_________________
'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

Got a couple more theories:

1) A spinnaker/hooter pole may have been used once. As the rigging options can be as numerous as the number of spi fliers out there they could have installed the spi gear on the front bow hole and the jib gear on the second, new hole further aft.

Regardless, you'll want to get the bows reinforced ASAP. Flip her over and fill the channel under the hull join/lip with glass/resin tapering out about 300mm back on each side, or at least well beyond the second hole. Add carbon if you like. Put a greased bolt or something through the bow holes first so that the fibers won't attach. When you install the tang bolt you don't have to drill through your new work.

2) They may have chosen to rig the trap lines such that the crew's was attached to the shroud chain plate and the skipper's was attached to a fitting mounted through the second, aft hole. I know because I've done just that. I saw it here on a boat named "Sciatica" several times and really liked that approach. That second hole is closer to the original compared to mine but it would work.

It took me a while to justify drilling into the hulls like that but eventually I came to believe that the advantages out numbered the one disadvantage (got pix I can send if you want). Otherwise, I cannot imagine what another hole in the hull amidships would be used for.

_________________
'81 H16

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

See there i was being negative and you have two perfectly legit answers. I guess me spending the past 8 months fixing someone elses mistakes on my boat has me assuming everyones boat is a mess

_________________
'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

No, that's just me being obnoxious

_________________
'81 H16

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

Thanks for the insight, and not to worry, those hulls will never see the water again. Those pics are of the hulls that are totally de-laminated. That's the one I bought for $170 for the trailer, sails, and spare parts.

Not to take anything away from reelknotty, if nothing else you now have two rigging options if you plan to get WILD.

_________________
'81 H16

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

Jman, that thought crossed my mind as well. I just read a post here the other day where i guy sailed in some ugly weather and water and double rigged his boat. I just try to reserve from talking about too much I know nothing about. Since I never did it or saw it i i choose to leave that to people that know what their doing.

_________________
'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat