dolphin striker tension

I sail alone alot, off a small beach, and at the end of the day, have to pull the boat up 15-20 feet above the tide line- not eniough for cat tracks, but find that I end up pulling the boat, holding the dolphin striker, and it feels loose,, i.e, it pulls forward a little when I grab it. Is there a way or a standard to test how tight it should be? Or am I worried about nothing?

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Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888

I believe that Hobie recommends that the dolphin striker not have any give. I don't know the torque spec, but I have seen a hull collapse at the front crossbar due to it being loose.

If the beach you sail off of is your own property, try sinking a post into the ground and putting a winch on it. Then fashion a bridle that can easily be attached to your two forward pylons.

Takes a load off of your back as well

Rock,

Tighten the dolphin striker until it makes a "thummmm" sound when you hit it with the palm of your hand.

If it's not tight enough, it'll go "thunk".

Matt, that is the "field test" I was looking for! The nuts don;t appear to have backed off, but it definitely feeels looser than on Monster Fish. ( My old race boat)

Thanks so much-
Rock

_________________
Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888