I found the following when searching the internet for a simple review of the Hobie 16 to be posted on an informational web site.
Interesting what people can come up with when left to their own devices.
Enjoy
Quote:
I’m on my 3rd Hobie 16 and have made a few modifications to avoid having the thing fall apart on me sailing it balls-to-the-walls.
Both hulls developed cracks inside and just forward of the forward tramp support post(s) when cranking down the mainsheet sailing tight to windward. My fix for this was a section of galvanized fence piping and 2 bolt hole caps bolted across the front of the bows in the same holes used by the 2 forestays. This keeps the bows at the same width and works as hand holds when pulling the boat around on the beach.
I also added a second sidestay to each side and tension each pair share the load equally.
On the 2nd Hobie I had a welder weld a second stainless dolphin striker support and then added a second dolphin striker in tandem with the existing one. My first Hobie fell apart when the striker parted.
These 3 mods beef the boat up a bit. I have sailed my boat hard for a number of years and it has held up well, but I worry about the single striker - if it fails and the load on the main isn't eased ASAP, the tramp supports will break.