Hobie 16 needs lots of TLC

I own a 1986 Hobie 16 that has been sitting outside, uncovered and
unused for about 8 years (it’s a long story.) I live in upstate SC and the
summers are sunny, hot and dry. I am now working on my boat to get
everything in shape for some lake and ocean sailing this summer. My
question to the group is what things do I need to thoroughly check before
getting back on the water.

There are a couple of specific concerns I have, mainly the trampoline. It
was very tight on the boat but when I removed it for cleaning it seem a
little brittle. Is there a way to if the tramp is going to be reliable? What
is the life expectancy of a tramp left in the weather? Is there a product
that will help “revitalizeâ€

I'm sure you'll get a lot of input, and there have been lot's of threads about this sort of topic in the past.

Unfortunately, there really isn't anything you can do to revitalize an old tramp. They are pretty durable, but at 20+ years old and with 8 years in the elements, it may be on it's way out. The good news is that a busted tramp probably won't leave you in a life-threatening situation, more just an inconvenience. Grommets may start to tear out and things like that. If you don't want to replace it, just clean it up and sail it till it comes apart.

The aluminum and fiberglass parts are pretty impervious to the elements. Just give the hulls a good look over for any suspicious cracks or soft spots.

As is announced on this forum on almost a weekly basis, you should probably replace your shrouds and shroud anchor bolts unless you know exactly when they were replaced last.

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1st thing is check all over your hulls and make sure there are not any soft spots! If there is some soft spots determine how big and if you can repair them or if you need another hull.

your rudders should be fine. Use some bleach on them and they should brighten right up! If this doesn't work sand them down with some 420 grit! It will bring them back to life!

Replace all standing lines!

Sounds like its time for a new tramp....you can find a good used one and save some money! Just check with the dealers and ebay too!

For the hulls Maguires! I used and made my 83 hulls look like brand new. It's a maguires marine product. First high speed buff with the oxidation remover and a wool pad then follow up with the wax! Makes them shine right up! Ask any marine store and they will know exactly what I'm talking about!

GL and let us know how it goes!

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'83 H16 Tequilla Sunrise and Cat Fever