Used to sail a 16 back in the 80s when I was a younger man. Sold it when life got too busy. But I just got myself a used 16 - actually manufactured in the 80s but in excellent shape. Given that I have forgotten almost everything about setting them up, this video is an excellent start. I appreciate you doing it. Since she is sitting in the yard on the trailer and the weather here in the northeast is beginning to resemble spring, maybe I will take a crack at rigging her up tomorrow - with your help of course. thanks so much
Hi Paul, I've been super busy with recording an audio book, teaching Piano and Guitar to local students, and working in my garden. I just came back to this channel to see what is going on. Sorry I missed this message 4 months ago but I hope sailing has been going well for you. :) sincerely, Hal
Thank you. I just got an old boat. I have very little sailing experience and trying to figure it all out on my own is rough. Your video was very helpful.
Hal, Great video. I am considering purchasing a used HC16. After watching your video, I feel more confident in my ability to rig and prepare the boat. Thank you VERY MUCH for taking the time to be detailed in your video.
Hi Biz. Yes, it took awhile to make this video. My daughter helped me actually and was behind the camera most of the time. We filmed for several hours that day.
Good Video Hal, as a former owner of numerous 16's and 14's I wish your video was around 30 years ago. And I was fortunate enough to live 30minutes away from Murray's. I had a 14 Setup for HEAVY wind with Custom heavy gauge Murray's standing rigging, Heavy duty dolphin striker with welded bolts etc. I added a Higher ratio Main etc... Your video is excellent and I appreciate the overdubbing and making your voice so clear. Good Job
Hi Hal, Firstly what a great video!. I sail a H16 and H14 Turbo here in the UK. One thing that did concern me was your method of raising the main. I had a mast and mainsail that was real painful to raise especially a foot or so to go. I would still be yanking on the darn thing while everyone else had turned up after me setup and hit the water before me. I employed a silicon lube on luff (bolt) rope of the main which helped a bit. Also I found raising the main before jib would help a little. In the end someone donated an unused mast and I picked some H16 O'neil sails off of ebay for a song and my troubles are over. The sail goes up like a hot knife through butter. I revisited the issue with the original mast. I used a wooden and plastic wedge to open up the track and this solved the problem. Oh and I find that loosening the outhaul at end of boom for the mainsail is also required since the sail can slide in closer to the mast track especially at that last foot or so. All the best!
Hello srgpip, I don't have the option to "reply" so I'm going to do it here. When raising the mast if you make sure you are close to the mast while pulling on the halyard, make sure the boat is pointed into the wind, and make sure you are right in front of the mast. If the mast rotates then move to position yourself right in front of the mast to raise the main sail. If you are off to the side then raising the sail is a pain. All the best, Hal
Best trick I used for backing a trailer is to hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move the wheel the direction you want the back of the boat to go And only use small turns after you straighten it out
your video has helped me tremendously! what is the diamond cut padding on your tramp frame rails called? Is this something that can be purchased aftermarket? sweet setup!! Thank you
That diamond cut padding came with this boat when I bought it used from a guy in Wilmington California. It was a sweet setup. I love it. Peel off the backing and stick it on. That was it. I can't remember now just what the brand was but I'm sure you could do a search and find something similar. Go to www.murrays.com/ and see what they have available. I use them all the time. Call them if you can't find something similar on their website.
Thanks Hal. Just got my Hobie 16. I raised the mast and as I did, shrouds were tight. When hooking up forestay with bridle, mast starting raking back, meaning leaning back to bow and side shrouds became slack. Is that normal......shrouds being slack? I noticed in your video that your's were. Do I have this correct?
Hey very nice video. I am a new sailor fixing up an old 16. What types of ropes are you using for what purposes on the boat. I'm sorry if I missed it. Thanks
Ryan Mealtimer Hello Ryan, I love murrays.com. They have all the parts you need including the ropes for your boat. Here's a link to their site that shows the Hobie 16 line package. www.murrays.com/01-391.html If you have questions you can call them to get a specific line for what you need but since your fixing up an old boat just get the package. It's economical and has everything you need. They are the right kinds of lines that won't stretch and they do the job right. I just realized as I was reading what I wrote that I didn't really answer your question very well. Check out the line package and read the description of the lines and what they are used for. that should help a lot to answer your questions. If you have a specific question after doing your research, get back to me. :) Take care and have fun sailing!
Hi Hal, very nice video. Lots of really nice little nuggets in there (e.g. dropping mast stand carrier, carabiner quick clip for jib forstay etc.). My question is about mast rake. I have a 2012 Hobie 16 and after raising the mast on the trailer, it is leaning backward a good 15 degrees, even when I put the jib forstay as far down on the bridal as it can go and the side stays are at the top of their bridals. Is that normal? How does that affect the performance of the boat? Cheers, Colorado Skipper
+Tyler Silver Hi Tyler, I"m not sure how I missed your comment 7 months ago... Mast rake is important for performance. Lots of rake will spill the wind, less rake will catch the wind, so you have to decide what you want. One book that has helped me figure out the set up of my boat is Catamaran Racing from Start to Finish by Phil Berman. Here's a place that you can find books and DVD's www.murrays.com/C-BV.html I love Murrays.com www.murrays.com/C.html you can call the guys up over there and ask questions if you are trying to figure out if you've got the right parts. They are sailors and racers and understand cats very well. Also, getting around good sailors is a great way to learn from the best. I sail and race in Division 2 of the Hobie Class Association of North America and regularly get around the best sailors in North America. Guys and gals that have been sailing and racing for years can share a lot of setup experience with you.
I just bought a 16 foot hobie and i wasn't able to put the mast up, because it didn't seem to have a hinge, is there and other safe way to raise it without a hinge.
Hi Hal, Great video. I live about 10 minutes away from a lake and im looking to store the boat at home ( so travel back and forth to the lake as often as I can) and was wondering how much setup would be needed? Can you drive to the lake with the mast up? i am asking as theirs not always someone around to help me put the mast up. I guess what i am asking is,,What is the minimum I need to do to pack it away and then set it up again while using it through the summer. ( although you did say it was a tall mast so would not what to cause a power outage!!).
Hi Richard, Driving with the mast up is not a good option. The mast on a Hobie 16 is 26 feet tall, way taller than any truck. Don't do it or you will regret it.
On 2 different occasions people have tried to trailer H16's out of my local catamaran club. Believe it or not both of them didn't make it past the first set of power lines they came across, it really upsets the people in the adjacent neighborhood when all their power shuts off instantaneously.
Thanks Hal! Great video. We have a Hobie 15 and a Wave. It is interesting to see the different setup so carefully explained. You made lifting the mast look so easy! As you are obviously a very experienced sailor I would be thrilled if you would consider doing a review of my book - Sailing with Sam presently on Kindle but happy to send you the manuscript. It is written as a celebration of sailing and covers the first 6 months of thrills and spills whilst learning (total beginner) to sail Toppers, the Wave and Hobie 15 on the lovely island of Cyprus.
gospeedracer40 Hello! At 20:28 I take out the mast hinge so that the mast can rotate freely. Mast rotation is important to be able to point into the wind. So, no, it won't hurt things at all if your mast rotates. You WANT it to rotate! You are welcome BTW.
Hello, Amazing vid! It helped me very much when buying my hobie yesterday here in Bulgaria! The owner had no idea what he is doing or having so I had to assemble the boat my self and thanks to you I did great. Only one thing my boat is missing - the system that pulls the main sail down to the mast.. bottom. Can you give me a link to ebay or something or at least tell how does these "stopper" and "blocks" are calling. And also could you give me an email, I can send you some photos of my hobie so you could tell me what you think. I think the sails are brand new and it is generally in good condition but who knows. I also have no idea which year it is.. thanks!
alexandr simeonov HI Alexandr, use a cleat to attach the downhaul. Here's a link to see what the downhaul cleat looks like: www.murrays.com/01-1020.html Get in touch with me at commodore.941@gmail.com Looking forward to talking with you more.
Very thorough set up video, thanks Hal. Between 15:00. And 16:25 a few times you refer to some lines secured with Velcro ties as halyards. Is that correct or are they the shrouds and trapeze wires?
You are right Frank. I should have said shrouds and trapeze wires because they are bundled together there on the tramp. oops... I have watched this video many times and didn't catch that mistake. Thanks so much for the clarification.
Hey Steven, www.murrays.com/ is where I get all my catamaran parts. These guys are awesome. You can order online and even call them up and work with them on the phone, ask questions to make sure you get your order correct. Thanks for watching!
Quail Studios Guitar thank you. Unfortunately Murrays is only in the States and can get quite expensive to ship to Canada (especially now with the new metal tariffs in place, ack!). Found something local though but it's nice to know such a simple effective tool exists. To compliment such a thorough setup video, are you planning on a tear down for winter storage (if you get winter) or off season video?
Hi Kevin, I love murrays.com for all my Hobie needs. They are great, very helpful and professional. Never a problem with them if we make a mistake in ordering. They always make it right for me. Here is the link to the downhaul: www.murrays.com/07-2089-1.html
Where was this video when I took my 16 out for the first time last year?!? Good job! BTW, where did you get those rail covers? I'm about to replace my carpet and like the way that looks
Coulson Mullen Go to murrays.com - you can get great gear over there for cats, kiteboarding, anything water related. www.murrays.com/30-210.html check out this product they have. That should do for your side-bar.
Coulson Mullen You're right Coulson. I like that diamond shape a lot. The roll that I put on the side rail came with the boat. I didn't have to go find it at the time. It also worked perfect as a non-skid surface especially when hiking out. I'm racking my brain trying to think of the manufacturer... if I can figure it out I'll get back to you.
In the mean time I was told that with my boat (Hobie Wave 1996) the mast is kept in place by the side and front rigs, so no actual lock is needed on the mastfoot, though modern boats have them
It can be. Putting up the mast is a little tricky. I usually ask someone to help me attach the forestay when I am alone. I find that almost anyone is willing to help.
In some circles in America that is the way we pronounce bowline. I'm willing to change. :) When I have been looking at videos from the UK I learn a lot about pronunciation. I'm still learning, please forgive me.
What? I have two driveways. That is my house that I'm in front of. I pulled out of the RV parking at the front of the house with the busy street and pulled around to the other side of the house to park on the culda sac side. That way we could film and have not problem with cars going by. We live on a corner.
This man is the Bob Ross of sailing
Used to sail a 16 back in the 80s when I was a younger man. Sold it when life got too busy. But I just got myself a used 16 - actually manufactured in the 80s but in excellent shape. Given that I have forgotten almost everything about setting them up, this video is an excellent start. I appreciate you doing it. Since she is sitting in the yard on the trailer and the weather here in the northeast is beginning to resemble spring, maybe I will take a crack at rigging her up tomorrow - with your help of course. thanks so much
Hi Paul, I've been super busy with recording an audio book, teaching Piano and Guitar to local students, and working in my garden. I just came back to this channel to see what is going on. Sorry I missed this message 4 months ago but I hope sailing has been going well for you. :) sincerely, Hal
Great tutorial. I picked up a Hobie 16 last fall and will be setting it up soon for the first time.
Thank you. I just got an old boat. I have very little sailing experience and trying to figure it all out on my own is rough. Your video was very helpful.
Hal, thanks for the information - I just got our first sailboat / Hobie 16 and am excited to try it out.
Fantastic video - as a new owner of a 16 (and a new sailor) this is very helpful.
***** Great Zach I' m glad this helped!
Hal, Great video. I am considering purchasing a used HC16. After watching your video, I feel more confident in my ability to rig and prepare the boat. Thank you VERY MUCH for taking the time to be detailed in your video.
Hi Biz. Yes, it took awhile to make this video. My daughter helped me actually and was behind the camera most of the time. We filmed for several hours that day.
Good Video Hal, as a former owner of numerous 16's and 14's I wish your video was around 30 years ago. And I was fortunate enough to live 30minutes away from Murray's. I had a 14 Setup for HEAVY wind with Custom heavy gauge Murray's standing rigging, Heavy duty dolphin striker with welded bolts etc. I added a Higher ratio Main etc... Your video is excellent and I appreciate the overdubbing and making your voice so clear.
Good Job
Thank you for these comments. :) Love to hear stories about other people's boats.
Thank you. This is one of the best videos on setting up a hobie cat. I will watch it a number of times.
HI Lawrence, thanks for being here. :) Thanks for the comment.
Just bought a Hobie 16..I’m very rusty on my sailing and this video was great ..perfect pace..
I really appreciate you taking the time
Happy sailing
Thanks Ben. Hope everything goes well with you.
that teflon gasket inside the mast holder is a clever idea...allows the mast to swivel.
+John Rogan
It works beautifully. :)
hear u...best of everything!
Great step of information
Hi Hal, Firstly what a great video!. I sail a H16 and H14 Turbo here in the UK. One thing that did concern me was your method of raising the main. I had a mast and mainsail that was real painful to raise especially a foot or so to go. I would still be yanking on the darn thing while everyone else had turned up after me setup and hit the water before me. I employed a silicon lube on luff (bolt) rope of the main which helped a bit. Also I found raising the main before jib would help a little. In the end someone donated an unused mast and I picked some H16 O'neil sails off of ebay for a song and my troubles are over. The sail goes up like a hot knife through butter. I revisited the issue with the original mast. I used a wooden and plastic wedge to open up the track and this solved the problem. Oh and I find that loosening the outhaul at end of boom for the mainsail is also required since the sail can slide in closer to the mast track especially at that last foot or so. All the best!
Excellent job.
Very Well Paced Video Hal, also great tips, Thank You!
+Blayde Stone Thanks Blayde!
Excellent and very helpful
+Jeremy Fowler
Thank you Jeremy.
Hello srgpip, I don't have the option to "reply" so I'm going to do it here.
When raising the mast if you make sure you are close to the mast while pulling on the halyard, make sure the boat is pointed into the wind, and make sure you are right in front of the mast. If the mast rotates then move to position yourself right in front of the mast to raise the main sail. If you are off to the side then raising the sail is a pain. All the best, Hal
Hey Hal, great video .. thank you for posting it =)
No problem Art!
That's was so helpful. Thank you.
You're Welcome!
Great video.
Dave Thanks Dave!
Nice video, thanks
Best trick I used for backing a trailer is to hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move the wheel the direction you want the back of the boat to go And only use small turns after you straighten it out
your video has helped me tremendously! what is the diamond cut padding on your tramp frame rails called? Is this something that can be purchased aftermarket? sweet setup!! Thank you
That diamond cut padding came with this boat when I bought it used from a guy in Wilmington California. It was a sweet setup. I love it. Peel off the backing and stick it on. That was it. I can't remember now just what the brand was but I'm sure you could do a search and find something similar. Go to www.murrays.com/ and see what they have available. I use them all the time. Call them if you can't find something similar on their website.
Thanks Hal. Just got my Hobie 16. I raised the mast and as I did, shrouds were tight. When hooking up forestay with bridle, mast starting raking back, meaning leaning back to bow and side shrouds became slack. Is that normal......shrouds being slack? I noticed in your video that your's were. Do I have this correct?
Yes, this is correct. Once you hoist the jib it provides the necessary tension and the forestay will be slack.
thanks man, great video!
Thank you!
Hey very nice video. I am a new sailor fixing up an old 16. What types of ropes are you using for what purposes on the boat. I'm sorry if I missed it. Thanks
Ryan Mealtimer Hello Ryan, I love murrays.com. They have all the parts you need including the ropes for your boat. Here's a link to their site that shows the Hobie 16 line package. www.murrays.com/01-391.html
If you have questions you can call them to get a specific line for what you need but since your fixing up an old boat just get the package. It's economical and has everything you need. They are the right kinds of lines that won't stretch and they do the job right.
I just realized as I was reading what I wrote that I didn't really answer your question very well. Check out the line package and read the description of the lines and what they are used for. that should help a lot to answer your questions. If you have a specific question after doing your research, get back to me. :)
Take care and have fun sailing!
Hi Hal, very nice video. Lots of really nice little nuggets in there (e.g. dropping mast stand carrier, carabiner quick clip for jib forstay etc.). My question is about mast rake. I have a 2012 Hobie 16 and after raising the mast on the trailer, it is leaning backward a good 15 degrees, even when I put the jib forstay as far down on the bridal as it can go and the side stays are at the top of their bridals. Is that normal? How does that affect the performance of the boat? Cheers, Colorado Skipper
+Tyler Silver
Hi Tyler, I"m not sure how I missed your comment 7 months ago... Mast rake is important for performance. Lots of rake will spill the wind, less rake will catch the wind, so you have to decide what you want. One book that has helped me figure out the set up of my boat is Catamaran Racing from Start to Finish by Phil Berman. Here's a place that you can find books and DVD's www.murrays.com/C-BV.html
I love Murrays.com www.murrays.com/C.html you can call the guys up over there and ask questions if you are trying to figure out if you've got the right parts. They are sailors and racers and understand cats very well.
Also, getting around good sailors is a great way to learn from the best. I sail and race in Division 2 of the Hobie Class Association of North America and regularly get around the best sailors in North America. Guys and gals that have been sailing and racing for years can share a lot of setup experience with you.
I just bought a 16 foot hobie and i wasn't able to put the mast up, because it didn't seem to have a hinge, is there and other safe way to raise it without a hinge.
Hi Hal,
Great video.
I live about 10 minutes away from a lake and im looking to store the boat at home ( so travel back and forth to the lake as often as I can) and was wondering how much setup would be needed? Can you drive to the lake with the mast up? i am asking as theirs not always someone around to help me put the mast up. I guess what i am asking is,,What is the minimum I need to do to pack it away and then set it up again while using it through the summer. ( although you did say it was a tall mast so would not what to cause a power outage!!).
Hi Richard, Driving with the mast up is not a good option. The mast on a Hobie 16 is 26 feet tall, way taller than any truck. Don't do it or you will regret it.
On 2 different occasions people have tried to trailer H16's out of my local catamaran club. Believe it or not both of them didn't make it past the first set of power lines they came across, it really upsets the people in the adjacent neighborhood when all their power shuts off instantaneously.
Thanks Hal! Great video. We have a Hobie 15 and a Wave. It is interesting to see the different setup so carefully explained. You made lifting the mast look so easy! As you are obviously a very experienced sailor I would be thrilled if you would consider doing a review of my book - Sailing with Sam presently on Kindle but happy to send you the manuscript. It is written as a celebration of sailing and covers the first 6 months of thrills and spills whilst learning (total beginner) to sail Toppers, the Wave and Hobie 15 on the lovely island of Cyprus.
Barbara Jones Hi Barbara, I'd love to review your book. Message me, OK?
Hal Stead Great Hal would really appreciate it. How do you suggest I send the manuscript to you?
I Hal. Should the mast rotate while sailing? ,mine does doesn't seem to hurt things?
thanks for your input
gospeedracer40 Hello! At 20:28 I take out the mast hinge so that the mast can rotate freely. Mast rotation is important to be able to point into the wind. So, no, it won't hurt things at all if your mast rotates. You WANT it to rotate! You are welcome BTW.
Hello,
Amazing vid! It helped me very much when buying my hobie yesterday here in Bulgaria! The owner had no idea what he is doing or having so I had to assemble the boat my self and thanks to you I did great. Only one thing my boat is missing - the system that pulls the main sail down to the mast.. bottom. Can you give me a link to ebay or something or at least tell how does these "stopper" and "blocks" are calling. And also could you give me an email, I can send you some photos of my hobie so you could tell me what you think. I think the sails are brand new and it is generally in good condition but who knows. I also have no idea which year it is.. thanks!
alexandr simeonov HI Alexandr, use a cleat to attach the downhaul. Here's a link to see what the downhaul cleat looks like: www.murrays.com/01-1020.html
Get in touch with me at commodore.941@gmail.com
Looking forward to talking with you more.
Hal Stead Hi, check your mail in 5 mins :)
Very thorough set up video, thanks Hal. Between 15:00. And 16:25 a few times you refer to some lines secured with Velcro ties as halyards. Is that correct or are they the shrouds and trapeze wires?
You are right Frank. I should have said shrouds and trapeze wires because they are bundled together there on the tramp. oops... I have watched this video many times and didn't catch that mistake. Thanks so much for the clarification.
If this guy was a food, he would be stale bread
Indispensable video, thank you so much. Where did you get that shackle tool?
Hey Steven, www.murrays.com/ is where I get all my catamaran parts. These guys are awesome. You can order online and even call them up and work with them on the phone, ask questions to make sure you get your order correct. Thanks for watching!
Quail Studios Guitar thank you. Unfortunately Murrays is only in the States and can get quite expensive to ship to Canada (especially now with the new metal tariffs in place, ack!). Found something local though but it's nice to know such a simple effective tool exists.
To compliment such a thorough setup video, are you planning on a tear down for winter storage (if you get winter) or off season video?
Hi Hal, great video, thank you! Question - where did you find your down haul pulley and connector for the mast?
Hi Kevin, I love murrays.com for all my Hobie needs. They are great, very helpful and professional. Never a problem with them if we make a mistake in ordering. They always make it right for me. Here is the link to the downhaul: www.murrays.com/07-2089-1.html
Where was this video when I took my 16 out for the first time last year?!? Good job! BTW, where did you get those rail covers? I'm about to replace my carpet and like the way that looks
Coulson Mullen Go to murrays.com - you can get great gear over there for cats, kiteboarding, anything water related. www.murrays.com/30-210.html check out this product they have. That should do for your side-bar.
Thanks for getting back and the link. I've seen Murrys before, it just doesn't look at all like the ones you have on your rail.
Coulson Mullen You're right Coulson. I like that diamond shape a lot. The roll that I put on the side rail came with the boat. I didn't have to go find it at the time. It also worked perfect as a non-skid surface especially when hiking out. I'm racking my brain trying to think of the manufacturer... if I can figure it out I'll get back to you.
Hal, what rigging do you use to attach the forestay to the bridal? I see your son does this in the video and very quickly. Is it a clip? Thanks!
+Philip Newkirk Yes, it is a stainless steel climbing carabiner that is rated at 100's of lbs. You don't want that breaking when this mast is up.
How come the mast stays down? There is no link between mast and mastfood??? Thanks!!
Hi Frank, I am not sure exactly what you are asking here. You want to clarify?
In the mean time I was told that with my boat (Hobie Wave 1996) the mast is kept in place by the side and front rigs, so no actual lock is needed on the mastfoot, though modern boats have them
thanks for your reply
I noticed inspection ports on your hulls? is that something you put in? or was that something Hobie did?
Hi Tim, I put those in. I really like being able to dry out the hulls completely with those ports and see what is going on inside.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
FYI People Murray's will still make custom rigging, just call them...
Yes.
Can a Hobie 16 be set up by one person ? thanks
It can be. Putting up the mast is a little tricky. I usually ask someone to help me attach the forestay when I am alone. I find that almost anyone is willing to help.
WOW
that was the first time iI ever heard an experienced sailor call a bowline--ususally pronounced (bo-lin) a bo line
In some circles in America that is the way we pronounce bowline. I'm willing to change. :) When I have been looking at videos from the UK I learn a lot about pronunciation. I'm still learning, please forgive me.
could cut the first 8 minuets out but a good video
You can skip the first 9 min of the video to get to the real important bits
oh well thanks BTW?
+gospeedracer40
OK... thank you!
Lol the gloves...
So despite having a driveway, you pull up in front of your neighbor's house to prep your boat?
What? I have two driveways. That is my house that I'm in front of. I pulled out of the RV parking at the front of the house with the busy street and pulled around to the other side of the house to park on the culda sac side. That way we could film and have not problem with cars going by. We live on a corner.
Gives a new meaning to the term Hall Monitor 😂😂😂
good way to throw out your back dad!.. his children are dull!
Not sure what this means. :)
google it!