Have any of you replaced your pylons? I recently had my crossbars bent in a storm. Now I am trying to put the pylons back on, but they are giving me some trouble. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

That is strange. Usually on an older Hobie the corner castings will slip right back on the post because the post or inside of corner castings are worn. Can you explain more as to your problem.

Is this the same WillysJeepster that's on ORC?

I never knew you sailed cats as well.

Got to be the two best sports on the planet!

The new crossbars are not worn down as much as the old ones.
Unless there is a huge difference you can just wet sand away at the aluminum on the actual crossbar where it meets the pylon and in the pylon. Just don't do it too much and risk loosing strength in the crossbar and pylon. If you have to do it too much there is probably a bigger problem.
-Todd

Hey Jeepster! Just put out a request for some cross bars. I mean if you BENT yours and you are a "youth," then I can guess that there will be some kind folks right here that can help you out!

What other parts do you need? I don't have any cross bars ( think you mean the main cross bars between the hulls) right now, but who knows what I might have up my sleeve.

GARY

I already have crossbars, but I am having some trouble getting the holes in the castings to line up with the holes on the pylons. I found the crossbars and a new mast from fleet members. I also put about everything any sailor could ever want on the Hobie 16 last year.

I guess I was also wondering if anybody knew of anything for a Hobie 18 that they would call "essentials". My dad just bought a used Hobie 18 this fall and I am trying to put together a list of things that would be good to have.

thx for all of the sugestions, so far

Karl

^- first things first..

a good thing to have when owning any kind of beachcat....

a health insurance plan.

Hobie-18 essential in my mind is a pair of good rudders. If your boat is stuck with the stock injection molded flexible junk blades, replace them with a set of EPOs (only available used) or the Hobie racing rudders. Maybe pricey, but the difference in feel and handling are more than worth it!