So I went out and bought a 1984 Hobie Cat 14 Turbo. Now that is a 24 year old boat. So that’s pretty old. Anyway $800 with a trailer and then an extra $100 for trapeze, dog bones, rudder pins, etc.

I went over the entire boat and found it to be in good condition except for the UV damage to the trampoline and the screw that held down the forestay on the port hull would not tighten to my liking.

Well, today it was 90 degrees and blowing 20 + at the lake so what better time for a good trial run to make sure the boat was worthy when my kids take it out.

I put that boat through its paces. Flew the hull, out on the trapeze, pitch pole recovery, rudders humming loud, lots of Jib turns and water everywhere.

When rigging I dropped the mast on the rudder and took out a chunk that I can fix with marine tex. Got it rigged, in the water with the sail up and shoved off. Found the stitching in part of the jib falling out so I get to sew a little this week but otherwise I was doing well. Had a bit of a hard time getting into the trapeze in 20 knot winds but after getting the trap adjusted to my size and overcoming my fear ( I have not been on a trapeze nor sailed a Hobie in about 8 years ) I found that experience very rewarding just like a heavy plane on a windsurfer. By the way, I am using a large dog bone to accommodate my windsurfing harness so I don’t have to buy another harness.

I do about 10 fast, strong runs across the lake, with each turn being a jibe rather than a tack in 20 knot wind and then it happened. My last jib was just like all the others but when I finally turned, down came the mast. That forestay screw that I mentioned earlier gave way. I flagged down a boat and got towed to shore de-rigged and went to the Hobie dealer. He showed me how to make an easy fix by repositioning the forestay bolt on the hull. Total cost in parts $4.23. Thanks to WindMark in Buford Ga.

So now I will fix the boat and it will be ready for me and the kids. I also punched a hole in the UV damaged tramp and I will have to replace that.

Hobie dealer says the hulls are in great shape, sail is in good shape, tramp shot, and everything else is good. I love Hobies. This is my 4th Hobie 14. Now all I need is some shore break and ocean waves.

And yes, I do have a Hawaiian righting system installed.

I did promise some rides yesterday but they will have to wait until the mast stays up by itself.