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How to Epoxy the Hobie 16 Catamaran Frame For Better Performance.

Added by damonAdmin on Oct 13, 2003 - 08:08 PM
This article will explain the step-by-step method of epoxying the frame of a Hobie 16 together to achieve a stiff, well sailing boat.  The techniques will be very similar and can be applied to a Hobie 14.  This article does not pertain to other Hobies since they do not have the elevated 3 corner casting design.

Footnote: This article appeared in the October 1998 issue of "On The Wire" eZine, but there are even more used Hobie 16's now than then. Please add your comments if you have different ideas for this.


PVC Catamaran Sail Storage Tube

Added by damonAdmin on May 29, 2003 - 12:56 PM
Build your own Catamaran Storage Tube with these illustrated instructions. Thanks to Donny Pattullo for providing so much detail.

Build your own A Class catamaran!

Added by damonAdmin on Apr 23, 2003 - 12:26 AM

Ever thought about building your own catamaran? Here's an illustrated guide to one sailors project building a beautiful A-Class catamaran out of plywood. A big thank you to the builder, Chris Williams, for letting me share his work with the rest of the beachcat sailors.


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!


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)


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.

Installing Deck Ports

Added by Damon Linkous on Sep 12, 2002 - 12:35 PM
A step-by-step illustrated guide


By Bill Mattson


First published in "On The Wire" Ezine.




If you own a Hobie Cat, you may have noticed that if you take on any water, it is virtually impossible to get it out, given the location of the drain plugs. You can raise the bows, but unless you point them straight to the sky, you are going to have some water left in the boat when you are done. Deck ports will accomodate a far more effective and convenient way to remove water.




This month, we install them in a couple of Hobie 16s. If you are even thinking about doing this, or wonder why anyone would, read on. We cover each step in detail, and give you a good idea of what to expect along the way. Let’s face it: If you are going to take a saw to your boat, you want as much information as you can get before you start cutting. This article provides fully illustrated step-by-step procedures to help you do the job right...

Catamaran motor mount

Added by Jack Hoying on Jun 19, 2002 - 05:59 PM
I recently purchased a small outboard motor for my Prindle 18 catamaran and had to figure out how to mount it on my boat. I wanted something that was easily removable and was lightweight...

A Batten Tapering Guide.

Added by damonAdmin on Apr 16, 2002 - 03:12 PM
By Kim Miller. Wagga Wagga, Australia.
(First published in "On The Wire, 1996)

A catamaran is a highly efficient way of transforming sail power into
boat speed. Most Hobie sailors are quite satisfied with the power available
from their normal rig in even moderate winds. In heavy winds many sailors
find that power quite difficult to keep under control. However, there are
always those times when we try to find a bit more power and a bit more
speed. If you sail in light winds, or if you just like the speed of a catamaran,
then you are probably looking for another place to crank on a bit more
power. Your sail trim is the most obvious place to look.


Adding double trailer rollers

Added by Jmhoying on Apr 04, 2002 - 12:50 PM

Upgrading trailer rollers from single to double.

After switching from a H-16 to a P-18, I thought that since the 18 seemed to have more weight on the front single roller of my trailer, a second roller should be added. I made up a simple bracket that can be bolted in place of the single roller. I purchased an additional roller (in my case, 9") for each side and picked up the necessary metal at a local weld shop...




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