can anyone explain to me (or point me to a website) how to set up a righting rig for a hobie 16? is it really necesary to pay for a shop built system or can you put one together yourself? i've looked at the hobie catalogue to try and figure it out but the pictures don't seem too clear. thanks!

Question, do you sail mostly by yourself or with someone, and how much do you and your crew weigh?

I have a simple strech bungy that I bought from a Hobie dealer that attaches to the rudders and runs around the front pylons.

This system has worked for me real nice on the 2 occasions that I have needed to use it.

The Skier
Hobie 16 Sail #88837

I made one out of pvc pipe and it work real well. But it was a pain setting it up. Didn't cost me but a few buck for the pipe. I already had a boat winch. I haven't needed to use it so for. What I'm thinking of doing is putting an electric winch on the gin pole. You can pick one up at Sam's for I think around $80.00 They have a long wire for the hand held control. Right now I have my helper crank the mast up with the boat winch while I just keep it from going from side to side. No effort for either one of us. Just to be safe I set the jib up first before I disconnect the forestay from the winch. With the electric winch I could do it all myself and not have a lot to set up like with the pipes I used. Not only would this be cheaper then the factory built things but I think a lot easier to use.

i'm new to cats having only sailed monohulls before, so at first i'll be sailing two up but intend to go solo once i've got used to the boat. as far as weight goes its not a prob, i'm about 200lbs.

Gavin,

Where are you going to be sailing?

From what I have read on this forum, depending on what righting rig you get, you might still need the second person to help you right your boat.

I know that I can right my H16 by myself, but I weigh approx 270.

The Skier
H16 Sail # 88837

I righting pole as made popular by Rick White and Murrays Marine is not intended to be a salvation to single-handers.

It is meant to be easier to hold on to and use than a stretch righting system. If you are looking for a good system to try, give shroud extenders a chance. Use the weight of the boat to your advantage.

Or you could go with a proven method for single handers. The Solo-Right is proven to work on anything from a H16 to a Hobie21SE.
http://www.geocities.com/hobiegary/soloright.html
Jack Hoying
Fort Loramie, Ohio

Definately DIY. Each H16 skipper seems to have their own favorite method. Some use a single line tied to the dolphin striker, deployed to either side as required for righting. Some use a line tied to the rear port pylon, around the front pylons then tied to the starboard rear pylon, excess slack can be taken up by a bungee cord with blocks (Hawaiian system). Some use the superbungee (Easy Rite).

I use an old jib sheet, cut to proper length (crew should be at about 45 deg. to the water when you try to right) and tied to the rear pylons via the front pylons. I leave off the bungee and blocks from the Hawaiian system and just tie the righting line up under the tramp. Looks like an M shape if viewed from above. I have found the superbungee type to be too long when deployed.