I'm calling it a "Storpedo" update w/more pics

I can't wait to see pics of this. I never considered the idea of a clam shell design.

Just a suggestion and something I have done and used a end plug instead of the clam shell idea. This will keep it water tight.

Cut a circle out of wood just smaller that the ID of the pipe but thick enough so it stay upright (1-1/2" thick). Rub some lube or something on the edges so it won't stick. Then fasten a cord or small cable to it and and push it to the far end of the pipe, Fasten the other end to the end plug. Then when you unscrew the plug and pull the cable, it will bring out whatever is in the tube.

I'm just using homemade plywood end caps cut on a bandsaw. I plan to add a nose cone, and tail cone with propeller, and maybe paint it gray to make it look like a torpedo.

The piano hinge (for clam shell opening) is installed and I have fitted the end caps. I need to get some polyurethane glue and more screws to attach the endcaps. I'll also be gluing up the blanks so I can turn the nose and tail cones on my lathe.

Oh, and by the way, 12" SDR35 PVC is really HEAVY. I am really glad I didn't get the 15" pipe.

Aschaffter: Besides weight was there any other reason you didn't go with the 15"? Like clearance? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about going with the 15" since it would provide more storage space. Also once the tube is mounted to the trailer weight shouldn't be an issue. Any pic's of the finished product?

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

I waited until I got to the pipe yard and looked at both sizes before deciding that the 12" would be plenty big. In fact, 8" might have worked also, though I don't know if the rudders would fit in an 8" tube. The top half is fairly heavy by itself when you open and close it.

I cut my pipe lengthwise and hinged it so it opens clamshell style. This will make it much easier to load the sails and boom. Here are some preliminary pics of my "Hobie Torpedo":





I will be adding a "nose cone", handles, latches, and a hasp to the outside, and some hooks or cleats on the inside of the top half - one set so I can hang my main sheet and blocks, and downhaul and blocks; and another set down each side so I can criss-cross some bungee cord to hold stuff in the top half. I should have it completed and mounted by the weekend and will post more pics and construction details.

Here are some pics of the Hobie Sail "Torpedo" temporarily mounted on my trailer:

The hinge side of the closed torpedo:



View of the "warhead" end. The "warhead" has no practical purpose - it is made from MDF and was turned on my lathe. It has a coat of sealer, which will be followed by gray paint.


Sails stowed- they don't even take up all of the bottom half of the torpedo


A life vest stowed in the aft compartment:


I hope these pics of my 12" diameter "torpedo" help those of you contemplating a similar project, select a pipe size.

Damn Asch. That is impressive. Very nice! Equally impressive is your shop or garage with your tools! What do you do for a living?

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

Thanks. My woodworking shop is above my 3 car garage, so is a decent size and has a full set of ww tools. I'm retired.

What sounds better- MK16 Hobie Torpedo" or "MK16 Hobie Storpedo." I'm gonna put some small lettering on it.

And here is a close-up of my warhead that I didn't post earlier

Why does that thing have a nipple?

It looks like a huge wooden tit! I would make 2 of them if I were you...

That's, er, the detonator cap . . . .

You should definitely make 2 of them. Nice shop!

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Sail Revolution
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What are you using, and where did you get the inside lip? (The white plastic strip).

This is VERY impressive, definetly on the things to do list!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

I am just waiting for pics of the giant wooden clamshell coochie to throw your life jacket, butt bucket and blocks into.

Opening boob bay doors...nipples away!!! Sorry about the juvenile comments ass shafter. Really is a nice sail tube.