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Sail Clew Replace
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=37660
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Author:  MikB [ Wed Aug 17, 2011 1:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Sail Clew Replace

So after wanting a Sunfish since I was a kid, I ended up buying an old Hobie Cat 16 from an out of business Marina. I'm in a bit over my head here, but anyway...

I'm starting small with what I'm sure is going to be a slow, painful, and expensive process in trying to bring this boat back. What I understand are the sail clews are totally shot.

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The ones I have found for sale online are a different shape.

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Frustratingly, I've spent hours looking using google and searching this forum. Even more frustrating, the sail clews in the hobie cat part catalogue are the shape I need. But not the same shape as the part I've found online.

If anyone could advise, I'd really appreciate it.

Author:  MBounds [ Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sail Clew Replace

First of all, some terminology: There is only one clew on a sail - it's the corner at the bottom aft end. The corner at the forward end is called the "tack"; the corner at the top is called the "head." The tack plates are in the worst shape and missing the most rivets.

Your existing plates are not that bad; they just need some rivets replaced. The problem is you need the proper tools to set those rivets (they are not Pop-rivets). The tools will cost more than the rivets and plates.

Given the age/condition of those sails, I'd take them to a sail repair shop and have them replace the rivets or better yet - install INOX rings (http://www.sail-making.com/dbimgs/Inox%20PRS%20UK.pdf) just like new sails.

Ultimately, these plates are probably the least of your worries with the boat. You should make a list of all the stuff that needs doing to the boat and prioritize it according to safety, convenience (do the rudders lock down properly & minimal weather helm?) and cost. I think this project will fall pretty far down the list.

Author:  MikB [ Thu Aug 18, 2011 5:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sail Clew Replace

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure there are many things that need to be done with this old boat. I'm not sure what they are, but hopefully with the resources on the internet and helpful people like you (I'm not being sarcastic) I'll have in the water next summer. Or the summer after that. The fiberglass is in decent shape at least.

Author:  jkkartz [ Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sail Clew Replace

I went down to my locally owned Ace Hardware store with the new plates in hand and asked if they had rivets to fit. Debbie went over to one of those pull out box drawers and showed me the various sizes. I grabbed some and some more (they are inexpensive).

I went home and grabbed a hammer and a center punch and walked the sail and parts out to the trailer. Using the frame as an anvil, I proceeded set the rivets in place.

Not pretty, but it worked.

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