I am a H16 sailor and just purchased a H14 for my son that I would like make into a turbo. I am looking for suggestions, ideas anything to help me get started on this Winter project.

Thanks

If you haven't investigated the cost yet, you may want to reconsider. Brand new furling jib setup will run about $1000, including a new jib. Going to a non furling setup will save about $400-500. Obviously used parts will save even more, but good luck trying to find parts. I've been wanting to convert my 14 for some time. But there is something said about being able to sail the 14 unirig.

The first thing that I would do is to purchase a dolphin striker. There are 2 options for this, either the Hobie part or Murray's (~$80). My suggestion, and its only my opinion, is to get the Murray's, it may be easier to install. I've read that the hobie one requires you to drill into the bottom of the mast step (I can't confirm this, others might) vs the murrays that only requires 4 rivets. Even if you don't complete the conversion, doing the dolphin striker allows for your son to trap out on the unirig setup (2 new trapeze wires ~$44).

The next thing would be to update the shroud lines and chainplates. There is a turbo upgrade kit from Hobie (~$80) that contains 2 new shroud lines and new chainplates. The chainplates are different then what is installed due to the extension loop (lack of better terms) on the end of the chainplate (under the tramp frame). This allows for the under tramp jib block support wire. The 14T jib blocks are on the tramp vs the front crossbar like they are on the 16 or 18. The jib blocks connect to this wire. I think you have to buy the wire seperate from the above mentioned kit (~$55).

Not sure if your current tramp (from other post, the picture didn't show the tramp) has the grommets installed for the jib blocks. If you have a tramp with no holes for the jib blocks, the above kit contains the grommets necessary to do this. If you are buying a new/used tramp, get a tramp with the grommets and holes already installed. If you don't care about being class legal, and you probably aren't, then get an after market tramp. I got a used heavy duty after market tramp for $165. New ones are $199-350. Kinda pricey if you ask me.

Next is the actual hardware. Hobie sells a complete turbo kit for ~$530. This kit is a furling jib setup. If you want to save some money, then go without the furler. You can run the jib off of your current forstay with a jib halyard wire (I think similar to a 16). Going without the kit, you will need to purchase the jib blocks, 2 new Harken H186 run about $95/ea.

Last but not least is the jib. A brand new jib is $300-400. You can pick up a used non-Hobie jib for about $50 (ebay when they have them, they go pretty fast). Most of the time, these jibs are used for other applications, but the dimensions are close enough to be retrofitted onto the 14. The dimensions of the jib should be luff=12'7", leech=11'6" and foot=4'9". Going without the furling option, you can pick up a jib a little bigger or smaller. One thing that I don't know and am curious about is the dimensions of the 16 jib and if you could possibly retrofit that onto the 14. You say that you have a 16, could you measure the jib and let me know. I'd be real curious to see if it would fit.

I hope this gets you started. I may have missed a couple of things, mainly because I haven't gotten that far on my conversion (still waiting to purchase a dolphin striker). Look at the Hobie and Murray's catalogs for pricing and different options.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Rob

Thanks for the info. I am looking at this as a father/son winter project. My son is 13 and my crew. I have mixed feelings on the Hobie 14. I hope that he will be happy with it for a few years. We do race in local Hobie regattas and I think that a H16 may be in his future. Again, thanks for the info.

I was 13 and the neighbor kid was 17. His dad had got a Hobie 16 at an auction. They taught me the basics on how to sail a cat.

My dad suprised me with an old Hobie 14 the following summer. The sails were shot, but it was a solid boat. We cleaned it up and I sailed the hell out of that thing for 2-3 years. We have the following boats since:
Hobie 18mag
Hobie 17se
Hobie Wave
Hobie 14 Turbo (factory Turbo I found)

We have since sold all those boats. He sails a Getaway and I sail a Nacra now. Our boats are still parked on the same beach every summer and we are always looking for a new project.

Dad buying me that original Hobie 14 was the best thing anyone ever did for me. I agree that the Hobie 14 and 16 are pain's in the butt. That being said, I wouldn't have it any other way.

And frankly, you don't gain an heck of a lot with a jib on an H14. It is slightly easier to tack and moves alittle better in light wind.

If it were me, I would just put on a dolphin striker kit, new rail rug and a set of trap lines. Do your son a favor and get him a crotchless trap seat... ha ha ha

Have fun!

6 weeks later and we are now into the project. We have filled all of the chips, dings... and have finished sanding the hulls. We have been talking with the Hobie dealer on how to re-paint the hulls and he suggested that we use a single part epoxy bottom paint and brush it on. He says that the paint is self leveling and should work fine. I was going to have him spray it, however the cost was higher then we had anticipated.

I was able to find some used parts at the local Hobie dealer and have installed a dolphin striker kit. I have included a photo of the project. My son has done alot of the work and I am hoping that this will increase his interest in sailing. The problem is that if this works, I will lose my crew!!!

Fluorescent Green!

Please tell me you are going to paint it another color.

I say keep it green. Thats a beauty.

OK, Flounder, I KNOW your kind!

You live in a bright pink house, drive a lavendar Chrysler, and wear a hunter orange jacket out of season.

Don't forget the zebra skin underwear and disco ball hanging from my boom... ha ha ha