Hobie 18 SE, 18 SX manual Trailering Loading Your Trailer

Continue to adjust and measure until you have the desired amount of forward rake.

4)If you wish to decrease the amount of forward rake turn the adjusting screw clockwise using a 3/16" Allen wrench. Check the decrease in the rake by the procedure in step 3 above .

5)Next, while holding the rudder forward against the lower casting, carefully latch the tiller arm down onto rudder housing. Loosen the adjusting screw on top of the tiller arm about 3/4 turn. Slide the adjusting screw forward (toward bow of boat) until it stops, then retighten. See sketch C.

Screw

Sketch C

6)Hobie Cat rudder blades are preset to break away from the locked down position at 17-26 pounds by testing with a line around the rudder blade seven inches above the lowest tip of the blade. Once the rake is changed, the breakaway tension should be rechecked. The tension may be adjusted by turning the 3/4" internal screw in the housing. The screw tensions an internal spring. Turn it

clockwise to

increase and counter clockwise to decrease the tension.

TRAILERING

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 solution to proper distribution is often adjusting movable gear. A more permanent solution is to shift the axle position before taking your boat to water the very first time.

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 obstructions should be given wide clearance. Most boats on trailers obstruct the rear view of the driver. When this happens, an additional rear view mirror on the right side of the towing vehicle is required by law.

The trailer boatman should be familiar with traffic and highway laws relating to the towing of trailers. Towing a Hobie has particular hazards that should be mentioned. A Hobie is very wide. Obstacles should be given plenty of room when you are passing them. 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 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 the 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 setting 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 the rear that may be combined with the stop and turn signals. Vehicles over 80 inches in width require clearance 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. Always carry spare

29