Hello everyone. So as a kid, I had the opportunity to sail a Hobie 14 a few times, and fell in love with it. I have always wanted a sailboat, but my sailing experience has been limited to that summer and Boy Scouts (more than a few years ago). I recently saw an offer I couldn't pass up, and am now the proud owner of a 1982 Hobie 16. The boat, after cleaned up, is in pretty good shape. The sails appear to be in really good shape too. The trailer needs some work, but I can handle that easily enough. I have been watching a lot of videos and reading articles and threads on the Hobie 16, looking for knowledge and answers to my questions. I have also looked around Columbus, OH for sailing clubs that might help me with a Hobie 16. So far no luck. I think I have a lot of things figured out, but still need some help answering what are probably basic questions.
-My first big question is about the shrouds that go from the mast to the sides of the hulls. The boat came with the original shrouds, and a set of new coated shrouds. One of the original ones is broken. But anyhow, it seems that the new shrouds are shorter than the original ones by about 4 inches. Has anyone else seen this? It says Hobie 16 on the tag. I have not tried to use them yet, since I am waiting on a new mast step hinge and mast bushings. What is a good, simple way of making them work if they are too short?
-I can't figure out how to post pictures, but I have a question on a part on my boat. It is in place of the chain block that attaches to the bridle at the bow and then has a shroud that goes up to the mast, and supports the jib. ( I really hope I'm making some sense, this is new lingo for me). It is black and round, and the shrouds and bridle all attach to it. But it seems to have a line that spools up in it, I'm not sure though. It looks to be about the size of a weed eater head. Anyone know what this is and how to use it???
-Last question I have is a simple one, but I want to be sure before screwing it up. One of the cleats on the side of the mast is broken, and I would like to replace it. I pulled a bit of silicone out of the bolt hole, and it does not appear to be a bolt or screw, so I am assuming it is riveted? Are these just pop rivets that I can drill out, remove the old cleat, and pop rivet the new one on?
I hope to have this boat set up and in the water the first week of June. Any info or advice you have I am all ears! If I can figure out how to post pictures I can post them of the black part I'm talking about, and will post pics of my new boat! Thanks for reading and fair winds to you all!
_________________ If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy
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