Finer techniques for Hobie 16 sailing?

I'm not going out for the Hobie 16 Worlds or anything, but I always like to improve my skills and techniques. I'm still really new to Hobie's so I'd like to pose a few questions for the vets in the hopes that you'll share your knowledge.

1. The recent breaking crossbar video was a bit freaky. What are some symptoms that something might be out of adjustment?
2. With the boat in the water, mast stepped and jib bent on, how soft or tensioned should the shrouds be?

3. I am not very clued in on proper angles on the pivoting mast. When sailing close-hauled, and the main sheeted in hard, the mast seems to be rotated hard to leeward. Is this wrong? Am I oversheeted? Am I pinching too high? What am I looking for with regard to mast rotation and sail trim?

4. When trying to point high in light/medium air, where should the jib cars be set? I have them set as close to "inside" as possible. Is that wrong?

5. There is some weather helm when sailing close hauled, but I'm unsure if it's excessive. I can maintain course and holding the tiller extension isn't causing undue fatigue. Any sail trim or equipment adjustments I should check for this?

There are no Hobie sailors near me to ask for advice on this stuff. Everyone else is sailing A-cats, F-16/18's, NACRA's and such. I'm in the stoneage compared to these guys.

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Is it sailing time yet?!?!?

Breaking a crossbar is very uncommon. I would not be too concerned. Inspect parts regularly before sailing.



With jib hoisted... shrouds should be taut. When sailing the mast will rotate and bend, so the rig loosens. Some slack in the lee shroud is expected.



On a 16, the mast rotates to the stops on all tacks. Mast base and step castings can be worn, so replacement can help prevent over rotation.



All the way inboard. Only time they ever move out when sailing up wind is in very windy conditions.



The rudders may not be staying locked down or the rake angle needs to be changed to match the mast rake. There is a detailed FAQ on rudders here: https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=467

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

Very good info from Mr. Miller, the Guru!!!!!

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Marty
1984 H16 Yellow Nationals Redline, "Yellow Fever"
Lake Martin, 'Bama.

I would be willing to bet 9 out of 10 of those guys started out sailing Hobies. I'm sure there's one or two in the bunch that would be more than happy to help you out.

sm