Hello! I am in need of help. I have just bought a poorly kept 1982 Hobie 16 Hobie Alter Signature Model which raced at the Nationals in 1982. I bought the boat in order to replace a damaged starboard hull (a hole the size of a canteloupe) on my Hobie 16 (1986 Model).

To my horror when I attempted the switch, I found I cannot align the bolts when I tried to install the new-used (Signature Model) hull to my 1986 boat frame. The angles for the bolts seem all askew. I could force it, perhaps, and I could probably crack the hull too. I am perplexed and exasperated. And I can't go sailing.

My questions are these only, and I would be ecstatic to resolve the issues, so I could go sailing.

1) What exactly is the Hobie 16 Hobie Alter Signature Model ? How is it different from a normal Hobie 16 ?

2) The previous owner of the Signature boat mentioned that those who raced it shortened the stern cross bar about an inch or so to better align the hulls. Could this be the problem ?

3) Are there any differences in Hobie 16 Year Models at all ? Or are all Hobie 16 parts, regardless of model and year, interchangable ?

Why can't I swap the hull ???

- Charles Billera
chess7@yahoo.com

I highly recommend posting this on the HobieCat.com discussion boards. There are Hobie Cat factory guys that answer questions there. If anyone would know, they would.

Many years ago I tried to swap the complete rear cross beam from my boat to my brother's. Needless to say the holes did no line up.

It seems that Hobie drills the holes when doing the final assembly. So each boat and hole are unique.

I agree with the non-standard idea. It doesn't seem that Hobie ever used any methodologies to standardize hole placements. Mondays here, Tuesdays there, etc. etc. It would have been nice if the Frame castings would have had an indention for a drill guide. But, this may not have been enough. In any case you indicated that you had another boat. It might be possible to drill out the rivets on the frame castings and swap out by re-pop riveting the 82's to your present boat frame. If this won't work, then you'll need to find new or undrilled corner castings for the 82 hull.

Then the problem becomes where to correctly drill the new castings, since they cover the holes in the pylons.

Good luck.

I have replaced several frames on several different posts and the holes have never lined up--they are usually close, but never right on. I have just drilled the pylon to match the casting and I've never had a problem.