Hobie 15 Club Assembly Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for assembling the Hobie 15 Club catamaran. Please read through all instructions before beginning assembly.

Table of Contents

• List of the Parts
• Hull assembly
• Trampoline
• Rudder assembly
• Tiller crossbar and extension
• Mast set-up
• Raising the mast
• Mainsail
• Main traveller
• Mainsheet system
• Preparation for sailing
• Safety advice

Tools Necessary

• 1 x #14 wrench
• 1 x #10 wrench
• 1 x pair pliers

List of the Parts

Hull Assembly

Step 1: Position Hulls

Position the two hulls parallel to each other, ensuring you have identified the right and left hulls. Note: Decals are typically on the outside of the hull. Lift the right-hand hull to an upright position. One person should hold the hull steady while the other seats the rear crossbar into its deck support. Ensure the trampoline track faces aft.

Step 2: Insert Bolts

Insert two bolts through the designated holes in the deck. Position anchor bars under the gunwale lip so that threading can commence. Tighten both bolts loosely using a #14 wrench.

Step 3: Repeat for Port Hull

Repeat the procedure described in Step 1 for the port hull.

Step 4: Mount Front Crossbar

Repeat the mounting procedure for the front crossbar.

Step 5: Tighten Beams

Once both beams (crossbars) are in place, tighten all eight bolts securely.

Trampoline

Step 1: Front Lacing Slide

Insert the front trampoline lacing slide into the cut-out in the track of the front crossbar. Position it centrally.

Step 2: Attach Trampoline Halves

Identify the right and left side trampoline halves. Insert them into the trampoline track at the back of the rear crossbar. Pull them all the way down to the deck edge.

Step 3: Attach Front Outside Edge

Now, insert the front outside edge of the trampoline into the cut-out at the rear of the sidebars. Pull forward as far as possible.

Step 4: Lace Front Trampoline

Locate the two short front trampoline lacings. Tie them off at the outermost eyelets and proceed to lace towards the center. Tension both lacings and tie them off temporarily near the toe straps.

Step 5: Lace Long Lacing

Locate the long trampoline lacing. Starting at the rear, lace up the trampoline all the way to the front. Tension and tie off securely.

Step 6: Lace Front Sides

Now, complete lacing the two front sides. Tension and tie off securely.

Step 7: Check Tension

If the trampoline is loose, retighten the lacings. The trampoline should be quite firm. Trampoline lacings may stretch slightly after some use, so it is advisable to check the tension regularly and re-tighten if necessary.

CAUTION: The dolphin striker is tightened at the factory. As this part supports the whole pressure of the mast, it is most important to verify that it is tightened properly after some utilizations. If it is too loose, the aluminium profile of the crossbar may not be able to resist.

Rudder Assembly

Step 1: Assemble Rudders

Identify the starboard (green sticker) and port (red sticker) rudder assemblies. Locate the two aluminum rudder pins in the parts bag along with split pins or split rings. Align the starboard rudder casting with the starboard gudgeon and insert the rudder pin. Ensure the small hole in the rudder pin is at the top. Insert a split pin or split ring through the hole at the top of the rudder pin.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the components of the rudder assembly: upper casting, plastic cam, rudder blade, tiller arm, lower casting, gudgeon, split ring, rudder screw, and rudder pin. A detail view shows the draining plug.

Step 2: Adjusting Screw

The adjusting screw allows for tightening of the plastic cam.

Tiller Crossbar and Tiller Extension

Step 1: Tiller System Assembly

Attach the tiller crossbar (1) to the tiller arm (2). Pay attention to the left and right sides. Insert the screw as shown in the drawing. Repeat the same operation on the other side.

Step 2: Attach Tiller Extension

Attach the tiller extension stick by slipping the pin through the violin screw in the middle of the tiller crossbar.

Step 3: Rudder Alignment

It is advisable to have the rudder blades parallel or lightly toed-in (3-4 mm). The length of the tiller crossbar can be adjusted to achieve this. Loosen the screw on the underside of the tiller crossbar, which allows you to slide the adjuster in or out. When the rudders are aligned correctly, ensure you re-tighten the adjuster screw firmly.

Mast Set-up

Step 1: Assemble Stay Adjusters

Assemble the stay adjusters with twist toggles, clevis pins, and split rings. Attach them to the anchor bar pins. Ensure that the stay adjusters point fore and aft, as shown in the photograph.

Step 2: Attach Jib Furler

Attach the two bridles to the jib furler. Roll some line onto the furler drum in a clockwise direction. Leave enough line to reach the furler cleat on the front crossbar. Note: Ensure the hole in the furler housing points toward the front crossbar.

Step 3: Tie Main Halyard

Tie the main halyard line to the thimble at the end of the main halyard wire. Take both ends to the base of the mast and secure them to the halyard cleat.

Step 4: Attach Wires to Mast Tang

Using the provided 8mm bow shackle, attach the wires to the mast tang as shown in the photograph. Tighten the shackle securely and check tightness regularly.

Step 5: Install Teflon Chip

Locate the Teflon chip (mast pivot bearing) and push it down into the mast step casting on the front crossbar.

Step 6: Lay Mast on Boat

Lay the mast on top of the boat with the sail track facing down and the mast base towards the bows. Note: Place padding under the mast to prevent scratching.

Step 7: Attach Shrouds

Ensure the rigging wires are not twisted. Attach the shrouds to the top hole of the side stay adjusters. Leave the trapeze wires loose at this stage.

Step 8: Attach Jib Sail Head

Attach the head of the jib sail to the shackle underneath the pigtail swivel. Tighten securely. Note: The forestay is also attached to this shackle.

Raising the Mast

⚠️ Watch for overhead wires before raising the mast. CONTACT OF THE MAST WITH POWER LINES COULD BE FATAL!

Step 1: Secure Mast Base

One person stands on the trampoline and holds the mast base onto the mast step. Ensure the hook on the mast base is engaged under the pin on the mast step. The second person lifts the mast until the person on the trampoline can support it.

Step 2: Upright Mast

Now, the person on the trampoline pushes the mast into the fully upright position.

Step 3: Attach Forestay and Jib Tack

The second person moves to the front of the boat and attaches the forestay to the top hole in the furler chainplate. Now, attach the jib tack to the chainplate using the provided shackle.

Step 4: Attach Trapeze Cords

Take the two trapeze shock cords, pass them underneath the trampoline and up through the grommets in the trampoline. Attach the trapeze handle ropes and rope locks as per the photograph.

Step 5: Tension Rigging

Now the rigging can be tensioned. One person can pull down on the trapeze wires while the other person moves the shrouds into a lower position in the stay adjuster. Ensure both sides are equal. Position the stay adjuster covers over the adjusters and twist toggles.

Step 6: Shackle Jib Clew Blocks

Shackle the two jib clew blocks to the clew of the jib. Thread the jib sheet line through the clew and sheet blocks as per the photograph. The jib can now be furled by pulling on the furler line and cleating it off on the front beam.

Step 7: Jib Sheet System Installation

Tie one end of the jib sheet around the clevis pin in one of the jib sheet blocks on the front crossbar. Lead it through the clew block and back through the cam cleat. Lead the free end of the jib sheet to the opposite jib sheet block. Route it identically to the first side, but in reverse order.

Mainsail

Step 1: Prepare Mainsail

Unfold the mainsail and insert the sail battens into their respective pockets. Fasten the battens into the sail as per the photograph. Apply enough tension to remove any wrinkles from the batten pocket.

Step 2: Attach Halyard and Feed Bolt Rope

Position the boat so it is facing into the wind. Attach the main halyard shackle to the headboard of the mainsail. Feed the bolt rope into the mast cut-out.

Step 3: Hoist Mainsail

Pull down on the main halyard line while continuing to feed the sail bolt rope into the mast cut-out.

Step 4: Secure Halyard

When the sail is at the top of the mast, engage the slug on the halyard wire into the halyard lock. Secure the halyard line to the cleat on the side of the mast. Stow the excess line in one of the trampoline pockets.

Main Traveller

Take the traveller car CCT and dismount it by removing the pin and the split ring. Slide the bearing cylinder out by pressing the end of the plastic part.

Take the cylinder out of the upper part.

Split the plastic slide into two parts and insert each one into the track of the rear crossbar. Slide them one over the other until they fit together.

Reassemble the traveller car in a reverse manner: fit the upper part, slide the cylinder, and place the pin and the split ring.

Mainsheet System

Attach the upper block to the main hook and attach the hook into the middle hole of the main clew plate. Attach the ratchet block to the traveller car on the rear crossbar with the clevis pin and lock ring provided. Check that the two blocks are facing each other.

Take the mainsheet, run the free end through the cam cleat of the ratchet block and tie a figure of eight knot to secure the line. Then the installation is as follows:

• ...up to front sheave from left to right
• ...down to right sheave from front to rear
• ...up to middle sheave from right to left
• ...down to left sheave from front to rear
• ...up to rear sheave from left to right
• ...down to middle sheave from rear to front
• and back to the cleat on the block.

Run the free end of the mainsheet through the cam cleat on the aft crossbar, the traveller car, and the dead eye behind the cam cleat. Tie a figure of eight knot to secure the line.

Preparation for Sailing

Step 1: Cunningham Line

Tie the cunningham line to the grommet in the sail tack using a bowline knot or similar. Pass the line down around the cunningham cleat and back through the grommet. Pull down on the line, apply sufficient tension to remove wrinkles from the sail luff, and cleat off at the cunningham cleat.

Step 2: Righting Line

Tie one end of the righting line to the dolphin striker post. Pass the other end of the line up through the nearest trampoline grommet and stow all excess in one of the trampoline pockets.

Step 3: Install Drain Plugs

Install drain plugs. Ensure that the threads are clean and that they have the gasket or "O" ring fitted. Tighten firmly by hand. Overtightening can cause the gasket to deform or it may break the seal between the plug housing and the hull.

Safety Tips

• ⚠️ Whether on land or on the water, watch for overhead power lines. Contact with power lines can cause serious injury or death.
• ? DO NOT sail while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Only sail in conditions in which you feel comfortable and where you feel confident that you can safely sail the boat. Never go out in conditions beyond your ability.
• ? Everyone on board should wear a life jacket at all times.
• If you are in the water, remain in contact with the boat, even if it is capsized. A sailboat can drift away faster than a person can swim.
• Never sail without a righting line.
• Wear appropriate clothes. Wear a wet suit or dry suit in cold weather or cold water conditions. Protect yourself against heat and sun.
• Learn the right of way rules and when in doubt, give way to ➡️ others.
• When not sailing, always keep the boat pointed into the wind whether in the water or on the beach.
• Read the instruction manual carefully. ⚠️
• Make sure everyone on the boat reads and understands these safety instructions.
• ✅ ALWAYS check that the drain plugs are screwed in before launching your catamaran. Remove the plugs after sailing to drain any water that may have leaked into the hulls. Store the boat with the plugs removed to allow for pressure changes due to heating, cooling and altitude changes. This will prevent warping of the hull surface.