Hobie Hobie 16 manual Loading Your Trailer, Towing, Launching and Retrieving, Maintenance

CAUTION: Boat and mast should be securely attached to trailer with adequate tie down straps. Failure to do so could cause extensive damage or serious injury!

LOADING YOUR TRAILER

The weight of the boat, equipment and additional gear should never exceed the manufacturer's rated weight capacity. Proper distribution of the load is of vital importance. Too much weight on the hitch will cause "tail dragging" of the towing vehicle, impairing steering and raising headlights into the eyes of

oncoming traffic. Too little or negative weight on the hitch, and the trailer will sway or "fishtail". The solu- tion to proper distribution is often adjusting movable

gear.

TOWING

Extra caution is necessary when towing any trailer. The heavier the rig, the more time required to

accelerate, pass, and stop. For this reason, the maximum speed for vehicles with trailers is less

than without a trailer in most states. A long rig requires a larger turning radius. Curbs and obstruc- tions should be given wide clearance. Most boats o~ trailers obstruct th~:ear view o! the d~iver. When t~IS h~ppens, an ad~ltlonal ~ear .vlew ~Irror on the right sl~e of the towing vehicle IS r~~ulre~ by lav:" The t~aller boatman s~ould be famlll,ar with t~afflc and .hlghway I.a:s relating .to the towing of trailers. Towing ~ Hoble has .P:rtl~ular haza~ds that should

be mentlon.ed. A Hoble IS very wide. Obstac!es should be given ~Ienty of ro~m when you are pass~ng them. Fo.r long distance towing to prevent exce~slve drag, or In ~reas exposed to strong or gusty winds, the tr~mpoll.ne should be unlaced and rolle~ around the side rails to prevent the boat and trailer from being blown over. Hobie@ tie down straps or lashings should be of sufficient size and diameter and placed on all four corners.

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 reduced by tying a line from each bow to the mast support. This will stiffen the rig up and prolong the life of the trailer.

LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING

Prepare boat for launching at the top of the ramp or parking facility. Remove all tie-down straps, check boat plugs and fasten boat painter. Do not release winch line until boat is in the water. Back trailer to the left if possible; backing left gives better launching visibility. Avoid dunking wheel bearings wherever possible. Never leave the'towing vehicle unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake

set. If vehicle must be left while on the ramp, set transmission in "park" or first gear, in addition to the parking brake. In retrieving your boat, make sure that the boat is properly placed on the trailer. Pull trailer up steadily to prevent spinning the wheels.

MAINTENANCE

Lights: Most state laws require two red taillights on t~e rear that may be combined with the stop and turn signals. Vehicles over 80 inches in width require ~Iear~nce lights. If lights are dunked:", waterproof light fixtures should be used. If water IS allowed to enter, the lamp may crack and short out the entire system. Water also promotes contact corrosion.

Alw~ys car~ spare lamps. ~he wire coupling to the towing vehicle shou~d b~ high enough to stay dry. Never rely on the trailer hitch for ground connection.

Four-pole c.onnectors should be used.

The Hobie@ mast should not extend over three feet behind the rear light assembly. The ideal mounting

is with the rudders up and the lights mounted to the tiller castings, if allowed in your area.

. .

On a van rack combl~atlon the rear end of the mast should show a red light and flag, the front of the mast cannot extend over three feet forward of front bumper.

Wheels: Tires should ALWAYS be inflated to manu- facturer'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 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.

31