Trap wire lengths?

Just bought a 85' H16 and noticed that after rigging the boat, the T handle w' the cant misses are only a few inches above the side rail. I know how to make adjustments if the were a little on the high side but lost as to what to do if there too long. Does anyone know what the proper lengths should be for the crew and skippers wires? Maybe I can get them shortened or worst case have to replace them. I'm lost. Thank you for any help!!! Ryno

I have been wondering the same thing about trap wires being longer on the older boats. I have an 88 H16 and I have recently replaced the original shrouds with the newer generation shrouds that are shorter (raking the mast back). My original trap wires seem too long now and are adjusted almost at the upper limit of adjustment. I assume the new trap wires are shorter, as are the shrouds. Anyone confirm this?

Correct length?

Years ago Hobie Cat would add an inch or subtract an inch as people said the wires were long or short. There was no standard for the handle height. I decided to set the Hobie standard at 32 inches from the rail, wing, seat or what ever you are trapping from. That is an average height for me that gets the handle at just about shoulder height. Lower and you can't lift your butt off the rail to get out... higher and you can't reach the handle when trapezeing.

Really old wires have a large thimble hanging below the handle by about 1 1/2 feet. That was the original hook up point. Later we shortened the thimble to be directly below the handle and added the rope adjustments for trap height.

I have a 1980 bulletin that shows the trap wire finished length at 18' 1 1/2" (using the original long tail below the handle.) - The current guide shows 16' 9 1/8"