what is more important for speed, new hulls or a new sail?

Hey all!

so i'm quite new to the racing aspects of hobie's (i'm 16), and i'm wondering if I were to upgrade my boat to a competitive level, what would be the most effective?

I have a 1979 Hobie 16, which i have added probably about 15-20lb's of weigh onto for soft spot repairs (now completely rock solid!). Otherwise, the hulls are rock solid.

and of course. i have the original sails... not much more to say about those.

so, to be "competitive", against another hobie 16, would i have to scrap the boat, or could i get by with buying new sails? (and a comptip mast)

I also did try to look for previous posts addressing the matter, but found none.

i might as well also add that my (and a friend's) goal (which we have set very high) is to race in the Round Texel race 2010 (so any comments there would be appreciated as well)
thanks!

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1985 Hobie 16 86068

I'd say, without considering the heavy hulls... The easiest way to improve performance, in order of effect on performance...

(1) New Jib
(2) New Main

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

alright, i had thought as much,

now i'm wondering how much will the heavy hulls affect performance? we are a crew of approx 280 - 290 lb's if that helps

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1985 Hobie 16 86068

Since you said you are getting into racing . . . and want to be competitive . . .

There are so many small refinements on the 16 that have been made since 1979 that you're better off finding a newer used boat than trying to fix up your current one.

You'll spend just as much money on your old boat as you would buying a newer one.

Look for one that's less than 15 years old.