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Quick-Release System for Old-Style Hobie-18 Rudders!

Added by damonAdmin on Jan 15, 2003 - 01:41 AM

By: Keith Chapman

Hobie-18 rudder castings come in two flavors: Pre-1987 and 1987 on. They’re easy to tell apart, as the newer systems use a plastic cam to hold and release the upper casting, while the older systems use a metal one. Both are supposed to work the same way, with the rudder kicking up when an obstacle is encountered or when the skipper wishes to beach the boat. However, the pre-1987 Hobie-18 rudders have an annoying habit of not releasing or kicking up when you want them to. I’ve even busted a tiller arm or two yanking up on them to try to get a rudder to release. I always had to keep a tool with a long end that I could insert from behind the release cam in order to trip the mechanism whenever things would stick – not very convenient or even safe under some circumstances.

Footnote: While I recommend everyone upgrade their pre-87 Hobie 18's to the new system. This article shows the resourcefulness of beachcat sailors!

Filed under: Do-It-Yourself, Repairs | Read more... | Print

Upgrading Hobie 14, 16, 17, 18, and 21 tiller connectors.

Added by damonAdmin on Jan 03, 2003 - 04:57 PM

Many Hobie Cats have a rather crude tiller connector mechanism. By tiller connector, we are referring to the point between the rudder arm and the rudder crossbar. This article will illustrate the steps to retrofit other Hobie catamaran models with the advanced Hobie 20 (Miracle) style tiller connection.

The Hobie 20 sports an advanced tiller connection with features of easy disassembly, accurate turning, no binding, and reduced or eliminated slop. All other models, however, have a bolt with spacers, a spring, and a nylon lock nut. The same kit (part number 1953, $104) from Hobie will add these features to the 14, 16, 17, 18, and 21 cruiser.

Footnote: This article was originally published at Catsail.com in June of 1997 but is still great advice. I've edited it only for length. (ed)

Filed under: Do-It-Yourself, Upgrades | Read more... | Print

Trailer and sail tube construction

Added by Jmhoying on Nov 08, 2002 - 11:01 AM

Jack Hoying brings us step by step illustrated instructions for building your own catamaran trailer and sail storage tube. The Beachcats mailing list always has lots of discussion about these expensive items, and the ongoing debate of cat box vs. storage tube is never ending. This is one sailors solution that he has agreed to share with us.

Filed under: Do-It-Yourself, Sailing Hardware | Read more... | Print

Catsail.com donates content to TheBeachcat.com

Added by Damon Linkous on Oct 28, 2002 - 11:46 AM

Bill Mattson, long-time publisher of the On The Wire Ezine for catamaran sailors at Catsail.com, has announced that he will no longer publish the magazine. He has generously donated all the archives and material from On The Wire to TheBeachcats.com.

I would like to formally thank Mr. Mattson for entrusting the results of years of hard work to TheBeachcats.com. I have added a link to a complete mirror of everything that was on Catsail.com to the main menu of this site. If you never had the pleasure of reading Bill's Ezine in the past, I suggest you take a look now.

Filed under: TheBeachcats.com, Announcements | Read more... | Print

16 reasons Sailing is better than sex:

Added by damon on Sep 24, 2002 - 11:30 PM

16 reasons Sailing is better than sex:

1. You don't have to hide your Sailing magazines.
2. It's perfectly acceptable to pay a professional to Sail with you once in a while.
3. The Ten Commandments don't say anything about Sailing.
4. If your partner takes pictures or videotapes of you Sailing your beachcat, you don't have to worry about them showing up on the Internet if you become famous.

Filed under: General Noise, Jokes and Humor | Read more... | Print