Hobie 18 SX, 18 SE manual Frame and Rollers

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lamps. The wire coupling to the towing vehicle should be high enough to stay dry. Never rely on the trailer hitch for ground connection. Four-pole connectors should be used.

The mast should not extend over three feet behind the rear light assembly.

Wheels: Tires should ALWAYS be inflated to manufacturer's recommended pressure. Always carry a spare wheel and a jack that fit the boat trailer. If wheel bearings are always dunked, waterproof bearings and caps should be considered. If water is allowed into the hub, lubricating grease will float away and bearings will burn out or seize, causing damage and a safety hazard. Waterproofed bearings should be inspected prior to each boating season, others more often. Special care should be given when traveling on unimproved roadways with small diameter wheels.

If a spare wheel is not available, a spare wheel bearing set should be taken on long trips in case the grease seal has been broken.

FRAME AND ROLLERS

Rust should not be allowed to accumulate. Remove rust and repaint with anti-rust paint. Some trailers offer galvanized coating to prevent rust. Rollers should roll freely and should not have checks, breaks or flat spots.

TOWING VEHICLE

Most vehicles are limited in towing capacity. Towing heavy loads places extra demands on the engine, transmission, brakes and other systems vital to the vehicle. Towing "packages" are available through most auto dealers and should be considered for heavy boats.

MOORING:

Mooring a Hobie is not recommended as it will cause deterioration and discoloration of the hull. If, however, it has to be moored for a short time the main thing to remember is make sure everything is snug and secure.

Obviously the first thing to do is tie the boat securely to the mooring. Then furl the sail and secure all gear so it can't chafe when swells and boat wakes rock and thrash to boat. Last, but very important, be sure all shrouds are tight so the mast can't flop and fatigue the wires in the shrouds. Many an unsuspecting boat owner has moored his boat for a few days only to return to find his mast laying in the water. The easiest way to tighten the shrouds is to run a line around a shroud, under the boom and around 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 single line tied to the bridle intersection and run through a cleat near the mast on the front cross bar). Tightening the shroud adjuster will tighten the shrouds.

A good anti-fouling paint can be applied for some protection from marine growth before mooring. Before painting, it is suggested that the area be masked off to ensure a clean line. No friction reducing paints or agents may be employed on a Hobie Cat during competition.

HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION

The Hobie Class Association was started by a group of Hobie owners who got together back in 1968 to organize some racing and other activities. Hobie was the mainstay of the group promoting the activities himself. At that time, it wasn't really a class association but simply a group of owners wanting to have fun with their new toys. Hobie would write brief newsletters from the factory announcing regattas as they developed across the country. He published a set of class rules rigidly restricting changes and modifications which can be made to the boat. As the class started to grow, people were hired to help administer the program. At that point, the association became a little more formal: the groundwork for the establishment of fleets was developed and the Hobie Cat Hotline was initiated as a class newsletter.

The Class Association was originally organized around one basic consideration: to extend each Hobie owner's enjoyment through organized, family oriented activities. Innovations were made in racing procedures and the regatta structures. A policy of including the whole family in the activities developed to assure everyone would have fun at Hobie regatta. The Association continually strives to develop better programs so owners may further enjoy their Hobies

KNOW YOUR KNOTS

FIGURE 8 KNOT

BOWLINE KNOT

FIGURE 8 KNOT

AT END OF LINE

HALYARD KNOT

CLEATING OFF A LINE

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Contents Page Welcome to Hobie WAY of Life Setting up your Hobie 12-13Raising the Main Sail 14-15 Illustrations 18-25Packaging Layout Framing the Hulls Trampoline Assembly Page Page Mast Assembly Page Stepping the Mast Page Boom Installation JIB Block InstallationHobie 18 and SX18 Updates Installing the Rudder AssemblyRudder and Tiller Cross BAR Installation Pre 1987 boats Raising the Sails H18SX Downhaul Instructions Raising the Jib Dagger Boards Hobie CAT 18’ Index Mast Assembly Illustration NoIllustration No Jib Halyard Assembly Tiller Connector KitRudder Assembly Illustration No Outhaul Car AssemblyIllustration No Traveler Assembly Roller Furler AssemblyIllustration No Old style Dolphin Post Assembly Illustration No New style Dolphin Post AssemblyParts Relating to Diagram on Illustration No New style Tiller ConnectorSailing Your Hobie 18’ Turning Docking Trailering Loading Your Trailer Frame and Rollers About your Hobie 18’ Hobie