I've got an older (not sure of year) Hobie 18 SE and that I sail with my brother. Both of us are over 6' & 250#. I can't find a weight limit for the hiking wires. Does anyone know the tolerances? If we're pushing it, is there a fix (re-cable/double cable)? is there a danger of mast failure? Thanks y'all.
Still refitting in Minneapolis.

Hobie trap wires are usually 3/32 1x19 stainless wire, breaking strength 1200 lbs. 3/32 7x19 is more flexible with breaking strength 920 lbs. 3mm dyneema is rated at 1260 lbs.
Wire failure is usually at the swages/end terminals, not in the wire itself.

many thanks - is there a problem with 500# above the spreaders? I.e. any chance of mast failure?

Someone told me the seats were 350lbs. Is this true???
I know my 17 Hobie the seats are 350lbs. But I don't know about the 18 Hobie mag....

I think the H- 18 magnum wings are rated at 400 or 450 lbs. When sailing with a lady crew I always tell them the weight limit of the wing and then what I weigh. (never ask a woman her weight or age) <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

I have had a good 450 lbs hanging off the wires and another 200 lbs on the tramp. No problems, the H- 18 is built like a tank.

18 bolts on right? Problem we had with the 17's is they went in fiberglass tubes. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Know nothing about the 18, but I think you should be OK. Just don't bounce up and down a lot staring at some hot ladies <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I use 1/4" SS bolts instead of the 1/4" clevis pins in the outside supports ... it "locks" the wings down better and prevents the slight "working" of the wings up and down.

If your wings have the support crossbar between the main curved tubes and the rear support tube they will support more wieght.

Sail Safe, Sail Flat, Sail Fast
HarryMurphey
H18mag/ #9458, Fleet 54/Div11
P19MX/ #86, CRAC

Are there retro fit magnum wings for an older 18 that bolt on? I'd rather not do any fiberglass surgery.

he's not talking about wings - he's talking about trapeze lines and mast integrity.

You should be OK - I've seen it done before with similar sized guys in winds of about 18 knots (they may be slightly smaller).

Can i ask why you attached a picture of a bar? Does your TheMightyHobie18 sail in beer? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

At the time I attached it, I was setting up log on/password and thought it would show up in the name box. It's the closest thing to a trophy pic I've got on the laptop.

The trap wires should be ok, just make sure they're in good shape. Replace them if necessary. I've probably had around 600lb on my 18 at once (three people) and sailed it hard - no problem. Make sure everything is in good condition. Install the front cross bar reinforcement kit if it isn't already in.

As far as mast failure, probably just don't run your diamond wires too loose (they should be tight anyway at your weight), and I wouldn't see a problem.

sm

Better question, where is that bar. That's a lot of selection.

I'll look into the front cross bar kit. Would wanting magnum wing retrofits make a difference to installation/hardware?
The beer rail is at Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis (full disclosure = I'm part owner). I'd happily supply beer to hear (good) answers on getting the Hobie 18 in shape.

Is that somewhere around 7 corners area? I think I may have been there. I think I've been to about every bar around the UofM.

Close - where the New Riv used to be at Cedar & Riverside (moved end of last year to this location).

Harry, my Magnum wings have that support bar. (see picture)I also have anchor support plates at each hull & crossbar connection. I use the 1/4" ss bolts to lock them on. Just need to know if I should add the support bars to stop the fore and aft motion of the wings in large waves. (standard retrofit for the SX wings). Hobie said that they were not needed in magnum wings.

All Hobie 18 wings (Magnum and SX) bolt on any Hobie 18