Last weekend we were just about to set our spi (16-18 Kn Wind..) when the leeward bow tang snapped. Only crew standing in trapeze no really harm done...

Ashore I checked the other one which showed cracks as well.
Intend to replace both - after all the lasted > 2 decades But friends told me this seems to be rather "common" for Hobie 16 with spi. By the way: original Hobie so only approx 17 m2

Anybody suggestions? Should I replace them just out of precaution and when yes how often ? Must admit still sailing at least March - October and do fancy some more wind
After all those years and regular crewing on other cats (F18) I still think nothing beats a Hobie 16

De even consider replacing the bow tang by some other device but have not worked something out yet

Will try to upload picture later

Was the break purely due to fatigue, or was there some corrosion contributing to the break?

2 decades? Most things don't last two decades!

Add a higher load spinnaker to a 20 year old boat with directional loads not designed into the tang too... No wonder they think it's common.

2 decades? Most things don't last two decades!

Add a higher load spinnaker to a 20 year old boat, with directional loads not designed into the tang... No wonder they think it's common.

No corrosion or damage visible - just broke. Cutting edge showed nothing. Making it very difficult to predict when replacement is necessary !

Do agree the spi is european addition and although it's a relatively small (17 m2?) one it adds even more fun to Hobie 16 sailing ...
However did some research and found this breaking bow tangs more often happening than expected - also on Hobie 16 without a spi - even on a Wave recently.

So my remaining questions are:

should I replace the parts (both simultaneously of course)just out of precaution and when yes what seems to be good interval period?

Any alternatives available? Custom made stainless steel strip with 2 holes would do the job, bow tips have been reinforced with special "shoes" already. On the other hand: it is a known "weak" spot now. Who knows what can happen otherwise?

Just for information:
I found replacement bow tangs which are at least 2x thicker ! I'll replace both items just as precaution.
Fellow H16 spi users at our club and also nearby club take same action - also on Wave with spi!
[will upload pictures later]

And now for something completely different:
Although saling with spi some years now I have just recently been told my spi doesn't open up aft as it should.
Did some test by moving the block to aft. About mid tramp gave amazing improvement: better control, speed and able to sail higher !! :DCan start using spi sooner now.
So still learning but occaisionally you need some help.
By the way: seems newer original Hobie spi is cut more flat so does not need moving of the blocks to aft ??