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 Post subject: Sail Clew Replace
PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 1:07 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:51 am
Posts: 2
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.


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 Post subject: Re: Sail Clew Replace
PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:32 am 
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Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2003 7:11 pm
Posts: 5197
Location: Detroit, MI
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.


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 Post subject: Re: Sail Clew Replace
PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 5:17 am 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:51 am
Posts: 2
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.


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 Post subject: Re: Sail Clew Replace
PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:12 am 
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Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:58 pm
Posts: 184
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
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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