Good advice Bob.I did just that this weekend.The new boats are really nice(only problem is it looks so nice I,m almost afraid to use it).The new boats come stock with some really great gear.

Tom Korz. impressions


Here are my impressions of the new 16.

Remember I got my 1st 16 in 1975, actually my dad's but we sailed together, and have had ten or more 16's over the years.

Fiberglass work and finish
-very nice, probably the best yet. There is still a slight indent, just above the keel line on the outside of the hulls. I think this must have something to do with the molds cause most boats I have seen have some evidence of this. Susan's 2004 has a very pronounced dimple there but it doesn't seem to affect performance.

Set up/controls
-Best layout ever. I really like the traveler cleats-Ronstan vs those little lance cleats. The new jib cars are great the uncleat from every angle. This will be important cause I will be racing with my 10 yr old daughter this year.

The jib halyard is in the front of the mast, makes on the water adjusment a little tougher but is probably better for rotation.

Low stretch jib halyard comes with the boat-Niiiice Wink

very low profile mainsheet blocks. The top is the tiny carbo and the bottom is the standard Harken low profile. I think this is the optimal set-up. At the Worlds in Mex they had the small top and the small carbo bottom, caused some weird jumping of the sheeves and adjustment of the bottom carbo is a Twisted Evil PITA

I don't buy any of the reasoning for the luff tensioner at the top, just a personal peeve.

Line quality is excellent and the sizing has gone down, which the right thing to do. Jib sheet is right length, main sheet 4-6' too long

As usual the jib traveller lines are about 12 inches too short. Never fiqured out why this is a skimp but.....read the above and make your own conclusions.

Rudders, I got the white racing rudders, straight and nice, they are not far enough under the boat. I find the stock drill pattern in the rudders a bit helmy. I will have that fixed by MCXXX or I will just take my wifes rudders and redrill mine when I have the time. A fleet member has a jig that makes the helm oh so sweet Cool Cool

All in all I think that Hobie US is doing a GREAT job on the production of the 16. This is far and away the best most complete boat I/we have taken position of.

Boatworks did a great job of assembly, thanks Rob & Timmay. I barely had to re-rig anything this time Laughing I reccomend them highly for all your catamaran needs.

Got a pretty cool sail #109876.

Mike we'll miss you at MCXXX and the Madslapper Hockey tourney on Fri morn.

Good luck with your new boat and let us know what you think. When you pick it up eyeball the mast and rudders and make sure they are straight & true.