Hobie 18 SX - Manual (Page 31)

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6) Hobie Cat rudder
blades are preset to
break away from the
locked down position at
17-26 pounds by testing
with a line around the
rudder blade seven
inches above the lowest
tip of the blade. Once
the rake is changed, the
breakaway tension
should be rechecked.
The tension may be
adjusted by turning
the 3/4" internal
screw in the
housing. The screw
tensions an internal
spring. Turn it
clockwise to
increase and
counter clockwise to
decrease the tension.
TRAILERING
CAUTION: Boat and mast should be securely attached
to trailer with adequate tie-down straps. Failure to do so
could cause extensive damage or serious injury!
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
The weight of the boat, equipment and additional gear
should never exceed the manufacturer's rated weight
capacity. Proper distribution of the load is of vital
importance. Too much weight on the hitch will cause
Continue to adjust and measure until you have the desired
amount of forward rake.
4) If you wish to decrease the amount of forward rake turn
the adjusting screw clockwise using a 3/16" Allen wrench.
Check the decrease in the rake by the procedure in step 3
above .
5) Next, while holding the rudder forward against the lower
casting, carefully latch the tiller arm down onto rudder
housing. Loosen the adjusting screw on top of the tiller arm
about 3/4 turn. Slide the adjusting screw forward (toward
bow of boat) until it stops, then retighten. See sketch C.
Sketch C
Screw
"tail dragging" of the towing vehicle, impairing steering
and raising headlights into the eyes of oncoming traffic.
Too little or negative weight on the hitch, and the trailer
will sway or "fishtail". The solution to proper distribution
is often adjusting movable gear. A more permanent
solution is to shift the axle position before taking your
boat to water the very first time.
TOWING
Extra caution is necessary when towing any trailer. The
heavier the rig, the more time required to accelerate,
pass, and stop. For this reason, the maximum speed for
vehicles with trailers is less than without a trailer in most
states. A long rig requires a larger turning radius. Curbs
and obstructions should be given wide clearance. Most
boats on trailers obstruct the rear view of the driver.
When this happens, an additional rear view mirror on
the right side of the towing vehicle is required by law.
The trailer boatman should be familiar with traffic and
highway laws relating to the towing of trailers. Towing a
Hobie has particular hazards that should be mentioned.
A Hobie is very wide. Obstacles should be given plenty
of room when you are passing them. Tie down straps or
lashings should be of sufficient size and diameter and
placed on all four corners.
The mast support on a trailer is subject to a lot of
side-to-side motion and consequently may fatigue
where it is welded to the trailer. All this can be reduced
by tying a line from each bow to the mast support. This
will stiffen the rig up and prolong the life of the trailer.
LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING
Prepare boat for launching at the top of the ramp or
parking facility. Remove all tie-down straps, check boat
plugs and fasten boat painter. Do not release winch line
until the boat is in the water. Back trailer to the left if
possible; backing left gives better launching visibility.
Avoid dunking wheel bearings wherever possible. Never
leave the towing vehicle unattended on the ramp with
only the parking brake set. If vehicle must be left while
on the ramp, set transmission in "park" or first gear, in
addition to setting the parking brake. In retrieving your
boat, make sure that the boat is properly placed on the
trailer. Pull trailer up steadily to prevent spinning the
wheels.
MAINTENANCE
Lights: Most state laws require two red taillights on the
rear that may be combined with the stop and turn
signals. Vehicles over 80 inches in width require
clearance lights. If lights are dunked, waterproof light
fixtures should be used. If water is allowed to enter, the
lamp may crack and short out the entire system. Water
also promotes contact corrosion. Always carry spare