Reefing 24
Safety 26
Parts List 27
Maintenance Mooring, Trailering 30
IMPORT ANT NOTICE. This manual is devoted to increasing your safety and enjoyment of your Hobie Cat.
We ask that you read it all thoroughly and TRY OUR WAY FIRST! Please pay particular attention to the
Safety section and the Maintenance, Mooring, and Trailering sections. It would also be a good practice to
review these on a periodic basis.
DANGER!! Watch for overhead wires whenever you are sailing,
launching, or trailering with the mast up. The mast sticks up there a long
way and shock or death could result if it comes in contact with overhead
wires. So look up when moving the boat around or even stepping the
mast and give any wires a wide berth.
Tools needed: Rubber mallet, adjustable crescent wrench, screwdriver, and pliers.
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
Assemble the frame components as shown in the With an assistant, position the hulls as shown, using
photo. The flared portion of the sidebar track must be the packing carton end caps for assembly stands.
forward and facing inward. Make sure that the flatter sides of the hulls face out-
ward. Carefully place the frame on the pylons, aligning it so that each corner casting in turn can be started
onto its pylon. Do not drive the castings down until all
have been equally started.
"
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FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7
Beginning at the left front, drive each corner casting Once all the castings are properly positioned, install
down onto the pylon until the bolt holes line up. the pylon bolts and nuts, with the nuts inboard. Tighten
NOTE: Strike the casting directly over the pylon only. securely, but do not over-torque.
Binding or damage could otherwise result. Use a soft
mallet only.
4
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TRAMPOLINE
I FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9
Insert trampoline half into the flared sidebar track so Insert the forward edge of the trampoline into the front
that the grommets are running down the center and crossbar track adjacent to the corner casting and
across the back. The hiking straps should be on top. slide it all the way to the center. Repeat steps 8 and
Position the forward edge even with the forward 9 for the opposite side.
crossbar.
FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11
Install the aft lacing strip by feeding the larger bead Tie each aft lacing line to the aft corner casting as
into the track in the aft crossbar. Make sure it is shown. centered.
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Tie the center lacing line to the forward grommet on the port (left) trampoline half. Lace the line back and forth,
taking up slack as you go. Temporarily tie off the line at the aft end, then remove slack again by working it out front
to back. Lace the two aft lines simultaneously in the same manner.
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FIGURE 12
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FIGURE 13
Once the trampoline is laced as tightly as possible, re-tie all the lines as in Figure 13. Use up any excess line by
tying several hitches as shown. As the boat is used, it will be necessary to periodically retighten the lines.
6
RUDDER & TILLER SYSTEM
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FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15
Install the left rudder assembly onto the transom of Install the drain plugs into their housings in each
the left hull. The nylon nuts will be facing inboard. transom. Make sure that the a-ring gaskets are proWith the tiller arm held out of the way, slip the rudder perly in place.
pin - cotter key up - down through the casting and
gudgeons. Once in place, install the other cotter key
into the rudder pin below the casting (see Fig. 15).
Repeat with right rudder.
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The illustration shows an exploded view of the tiller Tighten the nuts until the bolts protrude about two
connector kit. Notice that it depicts the port (left) thread widths beyond the nylon locking elements of
side. Install the tiller crossbar with the "PORT" sticker the nuts.
to the left side of the boat. 7
MAST & RIGGING
,
Attach the bridle wires to the bow tangs by removing Attach the opposite ends of the bridles to the shackle
the bolts and slipping one end of each bridle into its on the bottom of the forestay adjuster.
tang. Retighten the bolts.
The forestay and shrouds are connected by a
large shackle. Attach this shackle to the lower
hole in the mast tang, insuring that the forestay is between the two shrouds. Tighten the
shackle pin securely with pliers, then twist the
safety wire around the shackle body and
through the hole in the shackle pin.
FIGURE 19
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FIGURE 20
8
Using the shackle provided, attach the trapeze
wires to the two upper holes in the mast tang
as shown. Use the trapeze wire shock cord
to tie the lower end of the wires to the mast
during stepping. For sailing in areas of frequent
strong winds, double trapeze rigs are available
tram Hobie Ca~ dealers
FIGURE 21
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To keep the jib halyard out of the way while
stepping the mast, secure it at the cleat as
shown.
FIGURE 22
9
STEPPING THE MAST
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~DANGER!!
L_~~~::~J POWER LINES
Do not attempt to step the mast in an area
of overhead wires. A mast contacting an
electrical wire could be fatal.
Lay the mast on top of the frame with the
mast head aft. Notes: (a) With experience,
the mast can be stepped by one person,
but Hobie Cat recommends that you have
someone assist you; (b) Position the boat
facing into the wind, and on level ground.
If the trailer is not attached to a vehicle,
chock the wheels and have someone stand
on the trailer tongue. DANGER: Do not
raise the mast if overhead power lines are
present.
10
THE HOBIE(!) CATS SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL MAY BE FITTED WITH OPTIONAL OR ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT.
FIGURE 24 Piace the m~st. pivot bearing in the mast step cup.
I Attach the shr.oud stay a.dju~ters to th~ anchor bolts ~~~~ i~~ trallerlng, remove the bearing to prevent
I on each hull with the clevIs pins & lock rings provided.
For initial assembly, attach the shrouds to the top
holes of the adjusters, then reset as necessary to re-
move slack. CAUTION: Make sure that the shrouds
are not crossed at the mast tang. Shroud failure and
dismasting could result.
'.
FIGURE 25
FIGURE 27
Using the headless clevis pin, fasten the mast base
FIGURE 26 to the hole in the link marked "16". As you begin to
The mast step link should be attached to the mast raise the mast, the link will rotate upward. Once
step with the headed clevis pin and lock ring. Make ~aving begun, keep the mast from twisting, or the
sure the arrow points upward. link could be damaged.
11
CHECK FOR WIRES
OVERHEAD. . .
. . . Check above at this time for over-
head wires. Don't raise the mast if
.
FIGURE 28
there are any wires.
Stand on the rear crossbar and raise
the mast to your shoulder. At this point,
insure that the shrouds are clear of
the rudders and rear corner castings.
An assistant is recommended.
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FIGURE 29
Walk forward, raising the mast as you go. At the full upright position, lean the mast forward against the shrouds and
have an assistant attach the forestay. Later adjustment may be necessary.
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12
FIGURE 30
Once the forestay is connected, the mast step link
must be disengaged.
TRAPEZE WIRES
,
FIGURE 31
Assemble the trapeze adjustment components as
shown in the illustration. The shock cord should pass
beneath the trampoline frame from the port trapeze
line to the starboard line. Note: Insure that these FIGURE 32
items are assembled exactly as above. Refer to knot Trapeze assembly installed. CAUTION: Never allow
diagram, "Bowline Knot," on page 2. the trapeze wires to carry any mast loads intended
for the shrouds.
13
MAINSAIL
FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34
Feed the foot (base) of the mainsail into the track Attach the mainsail tack to the gooseneck shackle as
ol:>ening in the forward end of the boom. shown.
"
FIGURE 35 FIGURE 36
Tie the outhaul to the mainsail clew with a bowline Insert each batten into its resl:>ective I:>ocket, making
knot. Lead it around the boom cal:>, through the block sure it seats all the way into the batten I:>ocket end
hangers, and through the outhaul jam cleat. Tie a I:>rotectors.
figure eight knot in the end of the line.
14
DIAGRAM - TYING DE:TAIL
CLE:A T OF"F" AT MOUT1-i OF" LE:ACH TIP
START HE:RE: WITH A
BDI.iLINE: KNOT
FIGURE 37
Photo illustrates recommended way to thread the
batten ties. Batten tension can be varied to suit personal preference or sailing conditions.
Point the boat directly into the wind. Attach the halyard
shackle to the head of the sail and feed the luff (leading
edge) into the opening in the mast track. Continue
pulling the halyard and feeding the sail into the track
until it reaches the top.
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FIGURE 39
FIGURE 40
FIGURE 38
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When the sail is all the way up, pull the halyard forward
sufficient for the stop sleeve to clear the halyard hook.
Once the sleeve is past the hook, position the halyard
so that the sleeve will engage the hook when you
release tension. That done, route the halyard from
the front to the starboard side, and around behind the
starboard shroud and trapeze wires. Secure it to the
mast cleat and stow the excess line (see Figure 41).
15
MAIN SHEET SYSTEM
1
Attach the ratchet block to the traveler car
FIGURE 42
FIGURE 41
Insert the gooseneck into the mast track. Tie the
down haul line onto the ring and lead it through the
cleat and ring as shown to provide multi-purchase
leverage. Apply desired downhaul tension and cleat
the line. Notes: (a) Do not re-insert the sail into the
mast track below the track opening; (b) On a new
boat, it is sometimes easier to adjust downhaul with
the mainsheet system installed and sheeted in. Keep
an eye on the wind.
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FIGURE 43
Shackle the boom blocks to the block hanger on the
boom.
16
FIGURE 44
Install mainsheet line as shown.
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Mainsheet tension is held by pulling the mainsheet
at an upward angle, which sets the line between the
camjaws.
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FIGURE 45
Run the free end of the mainsheet through the cam
cleat the traveler car, and the dead
eye behind the cam cleat. Tie a figure eight knot to
secure the line.
FIGURE 47
A quick, downward snap on the line will free it from
the cam cleat, releasing tension. The traveler control
works identically, but in the opposite direction.
Before sailing, practice this until you are proficient.
17
JIB SAIL
c FIGURE 49
~ adjuster.
"
Attach the jib tack to the shackle on the forestay
FIGURE 48
Install the jib battens (refer to Figure 36 & 37). Attach Thread the jib halyard around the cheek block at the
the jib halyard to the head of the jib and secure the base of the mast, through the jib down haul block,
plastic hank to the forestay by twisting it 90 degrees and around the cleat as shown. Raise the jib the re-
onto the wire. Raise the jib about 3/4 of the way and maining distance, then tension the line until there is
temporarily cleat the line. about 4" to 6" of slack in the forestay. Secure the
line to the cleat and stow the excess.
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18
FIGURE 51
Shackle the jib clew blocks to the center hole of the
jib clew plates. CAUTION: In windy conditions, do
not allow the jib to flap at this step. The clew plate
FIGURE 50 and attached blocks could cause an injury.
FIGURE 53
Lead the free end of the jib sheet to the opposite jib
sheet block. Route it identically to the first side, but in
reverse order. The cam cleats operate the same as
those in the mainsheet system.
FIGURE 52
Tie one end of the jib sheet around the clevis pin in Re-check all shackles and clevis pin lock rings. (Please
one of the jib sheet blocks. Lead it to the clew block take this opportunity to read the safety section before
and back through the cam cleat as shown. sailing.)
Your Hobie@ 1 6 is ready to sail.
FIGURE 54
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RIGHTING
Since it is predictable that you will eventually capsize your Hobie Ca~ and because it can be assured that you will
not have this manual for reference at the time (it will float away), please familiarize yourself thoroughly with what
follows:
Always carry a 15 to 20 foot long righting line aboard your Hobie <!> 16. One half inch diameter poly rope is recom-
mended, and should be available from your Hobie dealer. The mainsheet can be used to right the boat in a pinch,
but this adds unnecessary complication to the procedure as the sheet must first be removed from the mainsheet
block system. Stow the line aboard in such a manner as to allow immediate access whether the boat is on its side
or completely inverted (turtled). One popular method is to tie each end around the forward pylons, then wrap the
excess loop around the dolphin striker.
It takes two people to right the Hobie
16. First, hang onto the boat as it capsizes. It doesn't normally turn over
very fast, so holding on shouldn't be
difficult. Avoid jumping or falling into
the sail.
Second, uncleat the jibsheet, the
mainsheet, and the mainsheet traveler
so you won't be: attempting to lift a
sail full of water.
Next, tie the righting line around the FIGURE 55
shroud adjuster at its anchor point
(chain plate) on the upper hull. If the
boat is turtled, this will be the windward hull. Route the line over that hull
and down (or over) to the opposite one. .~
Refer to the photos. Stand in the
center of the lower, or leeward hull
and hold onto the righting line, leaning
back about 45 degrees or so.
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FIGURE 56
20
FIGURE 57
Helpful hint: Try to get the mast pointed into
the wind so it will help you right the boat. This
can be accomplished by shifting your weight
to one end or the other and allowing the wind
to "weathervane" the boat around. A masthead that is stuck in a muddy bottom can be
freed in like fashion.
As it returns to upright, hold a hand up
to prevent the hull from striking you
when it comes down into the water.
Also, it is IMPORTANT that you hang
on to the righting line. Having successfully righted your boat will do no good
if you allow it to sail away without you.
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FIGURE 59
21
TRAPEZE USE
The Hobie@ 16 is equipped with a trapeze system for
maximum speed and fun. You should become familiar
with it prior to its use.
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FIGURE 61
Adjust the trapeze line by moving the rope lock up or
down to compensate for your height and the desired
"hiking out" angle. The adjustment should not be such
that the user is easily dragged through the water
when sailing through waves, chop, etc. Sit on the
sidebar as shown and connect the lower end of the
dog bone to your trapeze seat hook.
FIGURE 60
The trapeze seat components are assembled as
shown, the hook always pointing downward. After
the trap seat has been put on, run the lace lines
through the grommet on the shoulder strap and tie F G E
the lines together in a figure 8 knot. I UR 62
Lean back, holding onto the plastic trapeze handle for
balance, and ease yourself out by pushing away with
your legs. Make sure that your weight is supported
by the trap seat rather than by your "hanging" on the
handle. Otherwise, the hook could become disengaged. DO NOT hook up and fall backwards out
over the side. This could cause overstressing and
failure of the trapeze line.
22
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FIGURE 63
Maintain control of the tiller and sheets as you extend out into the trapeze position. Keep your feet
about shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Trapeze system in use (Double Trapeze rig and
Deluxe Trapeze Seats are extra-cost accessor-
ies). While using the trapeze, watch the opposite
hull. Adjust for proper trim by shifting weight
fore and aft; do not allow the leeward bow to
submerge, or the boat may decelerate or stop
abruptly, causing the occupants to be thrown
forward still attached to the trapeze wire.
FIGURE 64
23
SAFETY
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE SAILING'
While sailing is generally a safe sport, carelessness 5. PRE-SAILING CHECK OUT
or lack of knowledge can be dangerous. A little When you're stepping the mast, tighten your
common sense and attention to a few precautions shackles with pliers. These can't vibrate loose if
go a long way toward protecting your safety in any- they're cinched down tightly. If one of these comes
thing you do, including sailing. loose while sailing; you risk damaging the boat or
even being hit by a falling mast.
1.LIFEVESTS
In the first place, don't sail without a Coast Guard 6. ELECTRICAL DANGER
approved life vest or jacket for each person on board. Watch for low overhead electrical wires whenever
A Type 1 PFD is an approved device designed to you are sailing or trailering with the mast up. The
turn an unconscious person in the water from a face mast sticks up there a long way and shock or
downward position to a vertical or slightly backward death could result if it should come in contact with
position, and to have more than 20 pounds of overhead wires. So look up when moving the boat
buoyancy, recommended for off-shore cruising and around and give any wires a wide berth.
acceptable for all size boats. If you're sailing in any
kind of a heavy sea or strong winds, you should The Hobie Ca~ will give you so many hours of
have your life jacket or vest on. Accidents do happen trouble-free sailing that the tendency is to forget
occasionally, even to the best of swimmers, and to look at any of the hardware until something wears
when they do, they usually happen quickly. Also out completely. Make it a habit to check the boat
remember to have an adequate paddle and righting out each time before you sail.
line on board at all times, along with one type 4
throwable flotation device. HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION
The Hobie Class Association was started by a group
2. OFF SHORE SAILING of Hobie owners who got together back in 1968
Don't sail far out to sea. Weather conditions can to organize some racing and other activities. Hobie
change rapidly and even if you're an experienced was the mainstay of the group promoting the acti-
sailor, old Mother Nature can sometimes get the best vities himself. At that time, it wasn't really a class
of you. You should never sail alone where you can't association but simply a group of owners wanting to
find shelter within a fairly close range or at least have fun with their new toys. Hobie would write brief
summon assistance. news letters from the factory announcing regattas as
they developed across the country. He published a
3. EQUIPMENT set of class rules rigidly restricting changes and
Know your equipment! The is built of modifications which can be made to the boat. As
quality materials and requires little maintenance, the class started to grow, people were hired to help
but for safety's sake, you should inspect it occa- administer the program. At that point, the association
sionally. Check the seals in your mast by pushing it became a little more formal: the groundwork for the
underwater and watching for air bubbles. If it is establishment of fleets was developed and the Hobie
leaking, have it resealed. A mast full of water makes Cat.Hotiine was initiated as a class newsletter.
righting a capsized boat awfully difficult. If you find
the hulls are taking on an appreciable amount of The Class Association was originally organized
water, check the foam plugs in the pylons by re- around one basic consideration: to extend each
moving the trampoline frame. If leakage continues, Hobie owner's enjoyment through organized, family
check the through-hull fittings (screws) and apply oriented activities. Innovations were made in racing
silicone rubber sealant, if necessary. procedures and the regatta structures. A policy of
including the whole family in the activities developed
4. WEAR AND TEAR to assure everyone would have fun at a Hobie
"Check your shroud anchor pins, rudder pins, tiller regatta. The Association continually strives to
arm connections, and tiller extension swivel. They develop better programs so owners may further
will become worn with continued use. A little preven- enjoy their Hobies.
tlve maintenance can prevent a failure on the water.
24
HOBIE CAT I
Revised 9/8/78 @COPYRIGHT 1978 COAST CATAMARAN
37
38
25
HOBIE CAT 14~ 16'
21
11
17
RUDDER
ASSEMBLY
Revised 9/8/78 @COPYRIGHT 1978 COAST CATAMARAN
27
HOBIE CAT 16'@
INDEX INDEX
NO. DESCRIPTION NO. DESCRIPTION
1 Mast head assembly 40 Shock cord
2 S.S. sheave pin 41 Trampoline right half (white)
3 Nylon sheave 42 Bolt, 1/2"
4 Main halyard wire w/shackle 42a Nylon nut, 1/2"
5 Main halyard shackle 43 Tiller arm (bent)
6 Main halyard rope 43a Rudder arm (left)
7 Mast tang 43b Rudder arm (right)
8 Shroud shackle, 5/16", packaged 44 Trampoline lacing slide white
9 Pigtail kit, upper section, packaged 45 Rear crossbar assembly
10 Forestay assembly, both sections 45a Rear crossbar (bare)
11 Forestay, lower section w/jib hlyd block 46 Tiller crossbar assembly with tiller ext.
12 Jib halyard block assy. 46a Tiller crossbar w/endcaps no ext.
13 Trapeze wires w/handles, one pair 47 Traveler track
14 Shroud 48 Double block
1 5 Jib halyard wire w/shackle 48a Ratchet block assy.
16 Jib downhaul block 48b Ratchet block replacement jaws
17 Jib halyard rope 49 Boom block
18 Jib downhaul cheek block 50 Boom block w/becket
19 Mast base 51 Hull/port
20 Mast assembly 52 Boom assembly
20a Mast extrusion (plugged but bare) 52a Boom extrusion
21 Adjuster ring 53 Side bar
22 Adjuster pin, 1/2" 54 Trampoline, left half white
23 Forestayadjuster, 10 hole 55 Striker rod hex nut
24 Shackle, 1/4" 56 Striker rod 5/16" x 7'
25 Bridle, wires, both sides 57 Dolphin striker post
26 Jib clew block 58 Shackle bell
27 Jib sheet line 58 Shackle pin
28 Front crossbar assembly 59 Main sheet line
28a Front crossbar (less castings) 60 Tiller extension w/hinge
29 Jib traveler track stops 61 Trapeze lacing line
29a Screw, #8 x 1" flathead 62 Trapeze seat complete
30 Jib traveler track 62a Trapeze seat only
31 Jib sheet block w/car 63 Trapeze hook
31a Clevis pin 64 Rudder assy (right)
AN IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE: the other shroud. Tightening this line will tighten the
shrouds and minimize fatigue and wear. Another
method is to install a shroud tension adjuster (a
Any metal part when exposed to salt water, salt single line tied to the bridle intersection and run
spray, or even salt air, no matter how well protected, through a cleat near the mast on the front cross bar).
can subsequently oxidize and become weakened. In Tightening the shroud adjuster will tighten the shrouds.
designing and building the Hobie Ca~ we have taken
every care to slow down and therefore minimize the TOWING TIPS FOR
adverse effects of corrosion. The aluminum extrusions THE HOBIE CAT@ TRAILER SAILOR
used on the boat are all anodized and our casting DANGER!
are co~ted wi:h either coricone or acrylic, both Extreme caution must be observed when launching
protective coatings. and sailing near overhead wires. A mast near a
Nonetheless, no matter how thoroughly the metal is wire could be fatal!
protected, corrosion can. take ~Iace in time. For a large percentage of Hobie Ca~ boating enthu-
Consequently, the following maintenance and siasts, the boat trailer is an indispensable part of the
inspection procedures are recommended. '. boating picture. This vehicle makes it possible to
1. If at all possible, you should wash down your" enjoy n~w saili.ng scen~s e~ch w~ek,~nd and most of
boat with fresh water after using it in salt water ~II provide an Inexpensive mooring for your favorto remove any salt which greatly accelerates Ite cat.
corrosion when left to stand on any metal part.
2. Periodically inspect your boat's metal parts for SEL~CTING THE PROPER TRAILER. .
chafing, scratching, notching or other signs of T~~ Important needs ~hould be considered In dete~damage to the surface finish. Damage to the mining the proper trailer for your boat; the boat s
surface finish may remove the protective coating need and your needs. First, the trailer should "fit
(anodizing, coricone or acrylic) thereby giving yo~r boat," allowing equal distribution of the hull
corrosive elements access to the bare metal. weight.
3. In particular, any time y~ur. boat is ~Ubject to Secondly, a trailer for a boat that is always hoisted
unusual stress, such as tipping over In the surf does not need to be as elaborate as one that is used
or hitting something at a high speed, you should for water launching. In this respect, shallow shore
thoroughly inspect it .for signs of stress as this slopes or unimproved launch sites may call for a
can accelerate corrosion. "tilting," "breakaway" or an extending tongue
MOORING: trailer. A trailer that meets your boating needs make
Mooring a Hobie@ is not recommended as it will launching and retrieving enjoyable and safe.
cause deterioration and discoloration of the hull. If,
however it has to be moored for a short time the HITCHING YOUR TRAILER
main things to remember are to make sure everything T:ailer hitches com.e in a variety of sha~es and
is snug and secure, and that the hulls are protected ~Izes. Most boat trailers conn~ct to ~ ball hitch that
as much as possible against gelcoat deterioration. IS bolted or welded to the towing vehicle. Clamp-on-
bumper hitches are not recommended for heavy
A good anti-fouling paint can be applied for some loads or continued towing. Special heavy-duty
protection from marine growth before mooring. Be- equalizing hitches are a necessity for trailer tongue
fore painting, it is suggested that the area be masked. weights (the weight a loaded trailer places on the
off to ensure a clean line. No friction reducing paints hitch of the towing vehicle) of 250 pounds or greater.
or agents may be employed on a Hobie Ca~ during The trailer hitch itself should match the size of the
competition. ball hitch: NEVER use a ball hitch that is too small.
Solid steel ball hitches are preferable.
Obviously the first thing to do is tie the boat securely The coupling hitch on the trailer should have a lock
to the mooring. Then furl the sail and secure all gear or provisions to prevent loosening due to vibration.
so it can't chafe when swells and boat wakes rock Lubricate the hitch for longer wear and quiet turns.
and thrash the boat. Last, but very important, be The trailer should be equipped with at least one,
sure all shrouds are tight so the mast can't flop and preferably two safety chains. The chain must have a
fatigue the wires in the shrouds. Many an unsuspect- breaking strength of at least the gross weight of the
ing boat owner has moored his boat for a few days trailer; solid link chain is best. Safety chains should
only to return to find his mast laying in the water. be connected to the frame of the towing vehicle
The easiest way to tighten the shrouds is to run a whenever the trailer is in use.
30
CAUTION: Boat and mast should be securely set. If vehicle must be left while on the ramp, set
attached to trailer with adequate tie down straps. transmission in "park" or first gear, in addition to
Failure to do so could cause extensive damage or the parking brake. In retrieving your boat, make sure
serious injury! that the boat is properly placed on the trailer. Pull
trailer up steadily to prevent spinning the wheels.
MAINTENANCE
LOADING YOUR TRAILER Lights: Most state laws require two red taillights on
The weight of the boat, equipment and additional t~e rear that may be combined with the stop and turn
gear should never exceed the manufacturer's rated signals. Vehicles over 80 inches in width require
weight capacity. Proper distribution of the load is of ~Iear~nce lights. If lights are dunked:", waterproof
vital importance. Too much weight on the hitch will light fixtures should be used. If water IS allowed to
cause "tail dragging" of the towing vehicle, impairing enter, the lamp may crack and short out the entire
steering and raising headlights into the eyes of system. Water also promotes contact corrosion.
oncoming traffic. Too little or negative weight on the Alw~ys car~ spare lamps. ~he wire coupling to the
hitch, and the trailer will sway or "fishtail". The solu- towing vehicle shou~d b~ high enough to stay dry.
tion to proper distribution is often adjusting movable Never rely on the trailer hitch for ground connection.
gear. Four-pole c.onnectors should be used.
TOWING behind the rear light assembly. The ideal mounting
Extra caution is necessary when towing any trailer. is with the rudders up and the lights mounted to the
The heavier the rig, the more time required to tiller castings, if allowed in your area.
accelerate, pass, and stop. For this reason, the . .
maximum speed for vehicles with trailers is less On a van rack combl~atlon the rear end of the mast
than without a trailer in most states. A long rig should show a red light and flag, the front of the
requires a larger turning radius. Curbs and obstruc- mast cannot extend over three feet forward of front
tions should be given wide clearance. Most boats bumper.
o~ trailers obstruct th~:ear view o! the d~iver. When Wheels: Tires should ALWAYS be inflated to manu-
t~IS h~ppens, an ad~ltlonal ~ear .vlew ~Irror on the facturer's recommended pressure. Always carry a
right sl~e of the towing vehicle IS r~~ulre~ by lav:" spare wheel and a jack that fit the boat trailer. If
The t~aller boatman s~ould be famlll,ar with t~afflc wheel bearings are always dunked, waterproof
and .hlghway I.a:s relating .to the towing of trailers. bearings and caps should be considered. If water is
Towing ~ Hoble has .P:rtl~ular haza~ds that should allowed into the hub, lubricating grease will float
be mentlon.ed. A Hoble IS very wide. Obstac!es away and bearings will burn out or seize, causing
should be given ~Ienty of ro~m when you are pass~ng damage and a safety hazard. Waterproofed bearings
them. Fo.r long distance towing to prevent exce~slve should be inspected prior to each boating season,
drag, or In ~reas exposed to strong or gusty winds, others more often. Special care should be given
the tr~mpoll.ne should be unlaced and rolle~ around when traveling on unimproved roadways with small
the side rails to prevent the boat and trailer from diameter wheels.
being blown over. Hobie@ tie down straps or
lashings should be of sufficient size and diameter If a spare wheel is not available, a spare wheel
and placed on all four corners. bearing set should be taken on long trips in case
The mast support on a trailer is subject to a lot of
side-to-side motion and consequently may fatigue
where it is welded to to the trailer. All this can be FRAME AND ROLLERS
reduced by tying a line from each bow to the mast Rust should not be allowed to accumulate. Remove
support. This will stiffen the rig up and prolong the rust and repaint with anti-rust paint. Some trailers
life of the trailer. offer galvanized coating to prevent rust. Rollers
LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING breaks, or flat spots.
Prepare boat for launching at the top of the ramp or
parking facility. Remove all tie-down straps, check TOWING VEHICLE
boat plugs and fasten boat painter. Do not release Most vehicles are limited in towing capacity. Towing
winch line until boat is in the water. Back trailer to heavy loads places extra demands on the engine,
the left if possible; backing left gives better transmission, brakes and other systems vital to the
launching visibility. Avoid dunking wheel bearings vehicle. Towing "packages" are available through
wherever possible. Never leave the' towing vehicle most auto dealers and should be considered for
unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake heavy boats.
The Hobie@ mast should not extend over three feet
grease seal has been broken.
should roll freely, and should not have checks,
31
~HOWE & BAINBRIDGE. INC.
SVNTHOT'C F...,c. 220 COMMERCIAL. STREET B"N..'DGO ST..,..,.oo S""C"OTH'
COVTON F...,cs B"N..'DGO D"'.ON S""C"OTHS
MOUNT"NOO.'NG B'C".'C"'NG F...,cs BOSTON. MASS, 02109. U, S. A, B"N..'DGO NV..ON S"LC"OTHS
S.OC"LTV OUTO.WO'. F...,cs FE.THO.WO'GHT TONT F...,c.
COTTON Duc" P'.'CHUTO' a B.LLOON F...,cs
V'NVL a NOO"ONO CO'TOO F...,c. DO"GNO.' O. INOUST."L TO'T'..O'
GOYO.NMONV S.OC"'C'T'ON F...,c. 'NOU.T.'... SHOOT'NG
S..C,... EGY""N F...,c. S"..M"'O.' H'.ow,.o
WET BLEEDING OF SAILCLOTHS
To prevent color transfer on your sails dry them as thoroughly as possible
after using. Try not to store wet in sailbag for any longer periods of time
than necessary.
VO"E' 84.0S87
"i:
32
When either dyed Nylon or dyed Dacron sail fabrics are stored wet, the
color will bleed or transfer from the colored to the white or even from a
darker shade to a lighter shade. The wetter and more compressed the
fabric, the greater the bleeding - such as stuffed in a sailbag.
HOWE 1\ BAINBRIDGE, INC.
i
USED BY
PERMISSI
ON-HOW
E & BAINBRIDGE, INC.
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