Hobie Hobie 16 manual AN Important Maintenance Procedure, Mooring, SEL~CTING the Proper Trailer

AN IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE:

Any metal part when exposed to salt water, salt spray, or even salt air, no matter how well protected, can subsequently oxidize and become weakened. In designing and building the Hobie Ca~ we have taken every care to slow down and therefore minimize the adverse effects of corrosion. The aluminum extrusions used on the boat are all anodized and our casting are co~ted wi:h either coricone or acrylic, both protective coatings.

Nonetheless, no matter how thoroughly the metal is protected, corrosion can. take ~Iace in time.

Consequently, the following maintenance and inspection procedures are recommended.

1.If at all possible, you should wash down your" boat with fresh water after using it in salt water to remove any salt which greatly accelerates

corrosion when left to stand on any metal part.

2.Periodically inspect your boat's metal parts for chafing, scratching, notching or other signs of damage to the surface finish. Damage to the surface finish may remove the protective coating (anodizing, coricone or acrylic) thereby giving corrosive elements access to the bare metal.

3.In particular, any time y~ur. boat is ~Ubject to unusual stress, such as tipping over In the surf or hitting something at a high speed, you should thoroughly inspect it .for signs of stress as this can accelerate corrosion.

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 things to remember are to make sure everything is snug and secure, and that the hulls are protected as much as possible against gelcoat deterioration.

A good anti-fouling paint can be applied for some protection from marine growth before mooring. Be- fore 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 Ca~ during competition.

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 the 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 unsuspect- ing 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.

TOWING TIPS FOR

THE HOBIE CAT@ TRAILER SAILOR DANGER!

Extreme caution must be observed when launching and sailing near overhead wires. A mast near a wire could be fatal!

For a large percentage of Hobie Ca~ boating enthu- siasts, the boat trailer is an indispensable part of the

'.boating picture. This vehicle makes it possible to

enjoy n~w saili.ng scen~s e~ch w~ek,~nd and most of ~II provide an Inexpensive mooring for your favor- Ite cat.

SEL~CTING THE PROPER TRAILER. .

T~~ Important needs ~hould be considered In dete~- mining the proper trailer for your boat; the boat s need and your needs. First, the trailer should "fit yo~r boat," allowing equal distribution of the hull weight.

Secondly, a trailer for a boat that is always hoisted does not need to be as elaborate as one that is used for water launching. In this respect, shallow shore slopes or unimproved launch sites may call for a "tilting," "breakaway" or an extending tongue trailer. A trailer that meets your boating needs make launching and retrieving enjoyable and safe.

HITCHING YOUR TRAILER

T:ailer hitches com.e in a variety of sha~es and ~Izes. Most boat trailers conn~ct to ~ ball hitch that IS bolted or welded to the towing vehicle. Clamp-on-

bumper hitches are not recommended for heavy loads or continued towing. Special heavy-duty

equalizing hitches are a necessity for trailer tongue weights (the weight a loaded trailer places on the hitch of the towing vehicle) of 250 pounds or greater. The trailer hitch itself should match the size of the ball hitch: NEVER use a ball hitch that is too small. Solid steel ball hitches are preferable.

The coupling hitch on the trailer should have a lock or provisions to prevent loosening due to vibration. Lubricate the hitch for longer wear and quiet turns. The trailer should be equipped with at least one, preferably two safety chains. The chain must have a breaking strength of at least the gross weight of the trailer; solid link chain is best. Safety chains should be connected to the frame of the towing vehicle whenever the trailer is in use.

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