Shrouds looked fine, neglected to check the “I bolt” that screws into the slug under the lip of the hull and it parted. I was solo, out on the trapeze and happened to be holding the shroud. I was able to tack and keep the mast up, then looped the end around the lacing at the back of the tramp and sailed it back. Don’t think I could do that again. Boat is ok, got a nasty slice on my pinkie finger, could have been worse.
This isn't all that uncommon of a failure. The shroud anchor pins wear out over time. Broken anchor pins are more common on the Hobie 18 because it's a heavier boat than the 16 (it uses the same pins), but it can still happen on the 16. You can check the pin periodically for bending and there is a proper way to angle the pin to reduce the chance of bending it. Also, Hobie changed the pin material (different alloy of stainless) and manufacturing process several years ago to increase the strength of the pins, so the new ones are much stronger than older ones.
sm
Steve M.
Ah, that is good to know, I need to find two newer versions, that was no fun.
Be careful when you order the nuts for the shroud anchors. I got mine from the dealer and they used the parts catalog to get the bolt / nuts. when When I installed the nuts, they were the wrong thread, they siezed up and broke. Make sure you get the correct nuts and use a stainless steel safe antiseize/grease when assembling.
As for "clocking" the anchors, the end with the tang (hole for the clevis) is flattened (shaped like a lowercase "L"). Aim the long axis of the falttened area at the front of your mast base. This will put the loads from the shroud on the strongest part of the anchor. see page 9/22 in this pdf:
http://www.hobie-cat.net/download/manuels/hc16_gb.pdf
The Hobie 16 anchor bolts don't use nuts. They use a piece of round bar about 6" long with a threaded thru-hole in the center of the bar which accepts the anchor bolt.
sm
Steve M.
When my friend and I bought this boat 28 years ago, it came with two wooden wine boxes full of spare parts. Look what I found
dogboy, given that these are certainly not the new and improved variety, I will keep a close eye on them