hey there gree. i did a build up on my hobie 16 several years ago and posted results in this forum. i built racks out of inexpensive pvc and managed a way to lash them to the boat. i made adjustable backrests and a rack that went forward of the mast. the rack that went forward of the mast was the ticket for mounting cooler(s). do a search for camper/cruiser in this forum with a limit on 5yrs. (or do a search on my user name) there are pictures too. the back rests were lifesavers too for all day comfort. ive been using this system on my boat since and have done a dozen sail/cruises. all on freshwater lakes of texas. twice on the very large lake texoma. on the second trip, the boat survived a wicked 55 mph wind front. very scary, but managed not to capsize due to the gear (wt) we were carrying. i had brand new sails and they were luffing so hard i thought they were going to rip. i did manage to break battens. i dont know what your max wt is on your boat but the hobie is pretty high. seems like it is 800lbs. one note is that the first time i loaded up the front rack with too much weight forward. the boat was level but with the jib up, it created a huge tiller load. after that, i figured out that if i kept the weight closest to the mast and just put large bulky and light items further out on the rack, tiller load became normal. oh yeah. if you plan to sleep on the boat, find a way to silence your halyard. i took the sail down first night out and the dang thing clanged all night.

the pictures are old pre digital camera. i can take new pictures if you want.