My 1980 vintage H-16 uses fixed jib cleats riveted to the main beam with traveler blocks. My starboard cleat will no longer close all the way. Something is stopping one of the arms from swinging completely inward. It is lubricated but just won't close all the way. Can these be repaired or do I need to replace or upgrade them (after 25 years!). There is no HObie dealer here and I don't see an exact replacement in Murrays catalog.

For Hobie parts go to hobiecat.com and use the dealer finder to locate a dealer. The parts are listed at hobiecat.com and you can order a catalog. The H16 parts are pretty standard throughout the years of manufacture. You should have the hobie catalog. It is a good reference.
Greg H14, H16

See the following thread for more information:
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=1180

Yeah, I saw that thread and I've seen many boats with that set up but not mine. I don't have the cleat in the jib track. I have a small traveler car (block with beckett) in the track and a fixed swivel cleat riveted to the beam. Seems like an easy upgrade to a track mounted swivel cleat except I keep my boat on the beach and don't like to leave anything of value on the hulls. I'd have to unthread the jib sheet, remove the track end stops and take them with me every time I sail or spend $130 every two or three weeks to replace them!

I have a HObie catalog but the closest dealer (in NC) to me sucks. They carry no inventory and every time I've tried ordering anything they either lost the order or it took six or eight weeks to get anything.

I recommend replacing the cleats, which is easy. However, jib cleats can be disassembled and repaired if you really want to. Typically the springs for the jaws break or pop out of place but if your cleats are 1980 original (Seaway?), finding springs may be a problem. This is discussed in another recent thread.

Replace your cleats with Harken H-150 (or Ronstan equal) with an eyestrap. These cleats are generic so you do not need to go to a Hobie dealer. Murray's, this Catsailor site store, West Marine, etc. stock Harken, about $30 each.

Your closest Hobie dealer is Backyard Boats in Alexandria. I have not had any need to deal with them (since Chick's Beach closed) so I cannot comment on service, parts availability, etc. Almost everything is available online these days.

Too bad about poor service from your dealer, but there are many dealers in the U.S. which makes me wonder which dealers have the best stock. When Rocky Mountain Boat Works was still in existence I had all my orders filled quickly. Now that they are defunct I have used Sidsports in Salt Lake City and the orders have been completed quickly. The last order was for tiller connection kits. It would be interesting to know which dealers have the largest stocks on hand. I don't care which part of the country the parts are shipped from. You could ask the dealer if your item is in stock and if not, order from another.
Greg
H14 H16

I think Hobie puts too much emphasis on loyalty rather than efficiency of their dealers. Our local dealer here sucked too. Poor stock...never open. That's why he's gone now.

The Harkin cleats are pretty close to the original seaways but work much better I think. I've also used the Ronstan and have been very pleased. I would go ahead and replace both cleats. You can always incorporate them into a remote jib traveler system later, so you never really outgrow their use.

Just find another dealer. I've used an out of town dealer that mails me my order. Also, Murrays carries a complete line of Hobie parts if you ask for them.

I looked at the Harkin 150 cleat mentioned above but it doesn't appear to swivel. Can I use the existing mounts with this or will I have to gerry rig it somehow?

Take a look at page 33, top left hand corner of your Murrays catalog. This shows the complete swivel base with cleat and fairlead. Figure B. is very close to what you have now.

Page 34, top left hand corner shows the Harkin 150 cam cleat which should mount properly to your swivel base.

If still in doubt, ask your Hobie dealer, or Murrays sales person. Worst case - you might have to buy a new swivel base.