H16 Rudders, tillers, crossbars missing

Hello all. I am the new owner of a 1982 H16. Unfortunately, when I went to pick it up, the seller was unable to find the rudders, tillers, etc. But, I brought it home anyway.

When sourcing a set of used rudders, tillers, etc, will I need a set from a similar year or will any year work? I'm curious if the lower casting mounts have changed throughout the years.

Also, please let me know if you come across the bits needed to make my boat complete.

Thank you!

A rudder system from any year will work, but the components have been incrementally improved over the years.

Newer rudder castings have the ability to adjust rudder rake without needing to relocate the holes in the rudder blade. They also have larger rudder pin holes to allow the use of bigger rudder pin bushings. The tiller connection linkages have also been improved to reduce slop and allow the rudder system to be easily removed for trailering. Rudder blades have also gone through many iterations. Composite rudder blades (fiberglass racing rudders or “EPO’s”) have significanlty better performance than molded plastic blades. Be wary of old sun-fried, brittle, lexan blades. Besides having poor performance, they are very susceptible to snapping off under load.

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I have a complete set from a '78 I would sell for a reasonable price. Where in Minnesota are you? I'm in Northern Illinois and my in-laws live near Rochester, MN.

I'm currently using a set of '77 rudders, tillers, etc. I don't disagree that the newer parts are better, but we just sail for fun and I think they are fine.

_________________
Bryan
Poplar Grove, IL
1977 Hobie 16 (died a spectacular death https://youtu.be/Y7O22bp2MVA)
1978 Hobie 16

Thank you for the information on rudder fitment. I have a possible lead on a complete set nearby, but won't know for sure until next week. Very excited at the possibility of getting this out on the water soon!!

If the set nearby falls through, I will definitely be in touch.