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I think its always a good idea to install anchor plates on the FWD crossbar, inboard and outboard on any boat.
Quick question jmecky, I understood the anchor plate kit (64100001) to be a "shroud anchor plate kit." Is there another anchor plate kit? Or can this anchor plate kit also be used to reinforce the joint with the forward crossbar? Also, I've noticed that the anchor plate kit in the parts guide is different from the one installed on my '79 Hobie 18. Is this something that needs to be upgraded on an older 18?
kdmarcus, a few more upgrades I've been told to look into (I bought my boat a few months after you did) that might benefit you as well:
- The old style mast step assembly may fatigue your fwd crossbar and cause it to break in two. To upgrade, you need to replace the whole mast step assembly, because the dolphin striker was re-designed.
- The old mast rotation arm is easily bent out of shape. The new style is more durable.
- The pop-in hull inspection ports had a tendency to leak, especially as the o-rings got old and cracked and/or the covers wore out in the UV rays.