Early model questions

Over the weekend I had the chance to purchase another Wave. The boat is a very early model, 1995 vin # 697), and it is in excellent shape with hardly a scratch on the hull (unlike my current one that has cracked hulls and worn keels (see g-flex repair thread)), nice sail, early Hobie 14 style mast step, Calkins trailer, sail box, and a tired tramp.

I will be spending the next few weeks getting the boat on the water. I have a few questions on the early boats.

1. The rudders are black. Is there a difference between the black and white rudders; is one preferred over the other?

2. I want to upgrade the boat to a club tramp. I do not have the tramp tracks on the hulls. Is it possible to add them? I do know that there is a backing strip inside the hulls (and I'm not afraid of the work). Will the current holes for the tramp hooks interfere with the track?

3. I need the part number for the mounting plates that the jib swivel cleat mounts to. I looked on the web and did not find what I was looking for.

4. I am going to update the mast step and base to the ball type. Any issues I need to be aware of?

I'll share pictures and info as I work on the boat.
thanks
Rob

edit: update vin #

Black blades were PCG Poly carbonate glass filled. There were stiffer. A bit better maybe than the current nylon for heavier loads, but not necessary for the Wave.

No advice of upgrading to Club Tramp. We do it... you could, but difficult.

Jib swivel mounting plate 38760041

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I noticed an external difference in the shroud plate as they have 4 screws holding them down, not the two that my later boat has. So, I pulled back the seat pad and also noticed a difference in the location and size of the under seat inspection hole. I stuck my phone into the inspection hole and snapped a few pictures.
One can see that the shroud plate has a backing plate instead of the embedded nuts. Also the inside of the hull is not white like my other boat. Anyone know why?

Smaller and centered inspection port.

Early boats were three shot. Three layers of plastic. Current boats are two shot with a thicker layer of foam.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Any strength difference with the hull layers? I disassembled the boat and I thought the hulls felt lighter; imaginary or real?
I ordered the tramp tracks and they will be here in a few weeks. I'll share my experiences of installing them.
Matt, I want to thank you for your responses and expertise.
-Rob

May be stronger and lighter... harder to manufacture and not as floaty when flooded.

Two shot makes it easier to mold and is plenty strong. With the added benefit of more positive flotation.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I have added the tramp track to the Wave. It was not too difficult, but it was time consuming. I used a strip of aluminum on the inside and a mix of screws and 1/4" bolts to hold it on. 3M 4200 was the adhesive/sealant I used for the screw holes as well as the port covers. The tramp is nice and tight and I can hardly wait to sail it.





In addition I replaced the side stay and backing plates with some home made parts. The boat originally used 4 bolts to hold it on and I added an extra for good measure.

Lucky Dog! That's a great find, and great work.