I just bought a Hobie 14 which I think is a Turbo from looking on the Internet. It has a furling jib. I plan to rig and sail it on my own. I have a number of issues I could use some help with.
When I first went to put up the mast, I thought a pin went through the mast end fitting and the mast step. There was no pin with the boat so I bought one. When I raised the mast, the pin broke the mast end fitting (see image). Looking at the step, it appears it has also been broken in the past as the holes have an opening as though a pin has pulled through the fitting. After much searching on the Internet, I found a mast step kit which is probably what I should have used. I could use some guidance as to how you raise the mast without the pin??? and should I be using a mast step kit. Also where can I buy Hobie bits around Sydney.
The next question is about the jib. Looking at an online store they have a turbo kit with two pulleys on the clew. (http://www.hobiecat.com.au/pdf/sailing/e_turbojib.pdf) I just have a single jib sheet tied to the jib clew in the middle of the sheet. Can someone throw some light on jib sheeting?
On the kit, there is also a wire strop from the top of the jib to the mast. On my boat, there is no strop but a pulley on the mast. It looks like it is designed to use a rope halyard. Is this normal, or recommended?
Finally, for now, there is no boom vang. Is this recommended for fun sailing as opposed to racing?
Help would be appreciated.
As the Hobie 14 has not been produced for quite some years now parts may be getting a bit scarce, not sure if Hobie Aus. in Huskisson have any in stock, their phone is 02 4441 8400.
The better bet for you would be to go over to the www.catsailor.net website and in the general catamaran section find Darcy, he's up in Mannering Park and has lots of used spares for Hobies.
Good luck
Thanks for that. Will follow up on the other site. If anyone else has a comment, I would be glad to hear it.
