First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

[57chris]

I came across what looks like a deal, and i've allways been interested in learning to sail..It's a 16' Hobie Catamaran, guy has a good trailer and sails appear to be in good condition stored indoors, asking price is $400. I'm real close to picking this boat up, any advice or insight would be appreciated.

http://brownsville.en.craigslist.org/boa/1211600533.html

 

[57chris]

Re: About to buy first sailboat...help needed

Re: About to buy first sailboat...help needed

Well my brother and I went and looked at the boat, and now it's sitting in our driveway. We have no idea of what we're in for, but it sure looks fun. The guy that sold it to us is willing to come help us set it up and give some pointers, and also refered us to a local guy who can help us with any parts, questions, or even sailing lessons. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the daylight after I clean 5 years worth of dirt off of it. Looks solid, fiberglass pontoons are in good shape as well as the rudders and trampoline. The sails looks like brand new, and the mast gave me vertigo when we stood it up and looked up at it, whoa! That sucker is tall! So I need to learn everything, i'm sure it'll take some parts and tlc to get her back on the water, but any help or direction in what to look for to be safe and functional would be most appreciated. Of course I will be doing my homework here and elsewhere in the meantime. I am SO excited to be on my way to finally learning how to sail.

 

[57chris]

Re: Bought first sailboat...help needed /Hobie 16' catamaran

Re: Bought first sailboat...help needed /Hobie 16' catamaran

I cleaned off one of the hulls tonight, couldn't wait...the pics in the ad make the boat look horrible, it's all dirt! The gel coat is shiny white underneath all that filth, i'll finish cleaning tomorrow and post some good pics. I've been doing alot of reading too, I love learning new things.

 

[57chris]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

I spent a couple hours cleaning the catamaran this morning, it still needs polishing and a good wax job. I found a couple of bad spots on the keel, but no big deal, i'm in fiberglass repair mode right now, been re-building a 60's glass boat in the gargage...see my other threads for that story. The tiller crossbar is cracked right in the center, but is still holding, and the traveler is popped out of the track so not sure yet if that's broken or not. Overall the craft is in great shape, it sure is cleaning up nice. I spent hours and hours last night into early this morning reading up on the Hobie sites, they are quite informative and include sailing basics. I've learned alot allready, it's not hard to get a grasp of how the sails work...i've been intimidated for a long time by sailing, and it has kept me from trying to learn at an earlier age. Here's a few shots of the cat.

 

[57chris]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Here's the worst of the damage to the hull, it's only one one hull too, no problem to fix.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Nice toy Chris

I've never sailed before, but I know you have to learn the tricks of the trade before using that baby

I'm sure you can go to a basic sailing course so you can start enjoying it. I think it should be a very different experience than boating

Good catch mate!

 

[Wind Wizard]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Have fun. I've always wanted to sail a boat like that. some friends and I just sailed my boat home. from Baltimore to Lake Erie,see the sight www.myspace.com/windwizardsailing

 

[skibrain]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Welcome to the world of sailing! The H-16 is a classic with many boats out there so you should be able to find lots of support whether in parts or advice.

I've sailed inland lake small mono hulls and catamarans including the Hobie 16 for many years. A catamaran will move easily under very light wind. Almost magical. Or give you a rowdy wet and wild ride.

For learning, I would recommend starting with low-wind days of 10 mph or so. With the large amount of sail area (tall mast!) there is a lot of performance available. That is what makes the boats fun - but can be a bit intimidating when just starting out.

Good luck!

 

[57chris]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Thanks guys. I recently found out that my brother in law is an experienced Hobie Cat sailor and would love to come sail it with me as crew to learn. But I have to get her in shape first. I've gotten most of the hull cleaned, it's really starting to look nice.

I've been reading all of the free information available from Hobie, they have a great site and forum with everything I needed to visualize how the sails are powered and controlled...mostly, lol. I am understanding the main sail trim, but not clear about the boom...do you control the swing of it, or does it just do it's thing as the boat changes course in respect to the wind? I am guessing the end of the boom is rigged to the traveler on the rear crossbar, but the P.O. said he had it tied off or something and it does not look functional. The traveler car is also broken where all the bearing pins go through on the bottom, needs replacing.

 

[skibrain]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

In general terms, without dwelling on the finer points....The boom runs along the foot (bottom) of the main sail. The main sheet (rope in a series of pulleys to multiply you mechanical advantage) attaches between the boom and the traveler and acts generally as the accelerator in a sail boat. Pull the boom in closer (tighter), the boat goes faster.

The traveler can be (if it's working) set out toward either side along the rear spar. When running down wind (wind at your back) this allows the boom and sail to swing wider to capture more air. When pointing across the wind (perpendicular to it, i.e. sailing N. with an E. wind) the traveler is generally pulled in closer to the center line of the boat. And for most purposes leaving the traveler in the center position will do you just fine.

The boom is pushed out to the leeward side of the boat when underway. In a traditional turn (coming about) into the wind, it swings to the opposite side of the boat pretty gently like a weather vane with the mast at the leading edge. If the boat is turned down wind (called a jibe, and generally avoided in heavy wind) there is a point where the wind will switch from one side of the sail to the other. Depending on how far the main sheet is out at the time, the swing of the boom can be fast and furious. Knock you out, knock you into the drink.

I'm sure you will have a fun time with your BIL. You can quickly get out in more exciting wind conditions.

 

[Bsquared]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

Check out the Hobie Cat web site (http://www.hobiecat.com) and the forums under the product support header; also check out the parts and assembly manuals. They will give a good idea of how everything ties together.

You sure have gotten it looking pretty good! The ports on the front decks tell me the hulls had some delamination problems at some point, but it looks like whoever fixed that did a good job. You want to look out for any soft spots in the hulls where the foam core has separated from the innner or outer skin. Very common up front where people walk on the hulls. Try to walk on the outside edges

 

[lakeman1]

Re: First sailboat, project Hobie cat 16

You got a great deal for $400. Hopefully the sails are in good shape. Looking at your hull bottoms, you have some work cut out to repair those. I would use some 2415 woven roving, chopped strand matt and finish with some 6 oz. cloth and then re-gel. Grind away all the garbage first before you start. You have to have some good glass to adhere to. I've been sailing 16's for over 30 years and it's loads of fun. In winds over 12 knots you need two people preferrably with one in a trapeze that knows what he/she is doing. Keep the hulls level with the water and have fun.