End of Year Crossbar Inspection
One of the most neglected boat components is the front crossbar. When we're at an event and I'm chatting with sailors about their boats, an easy check is to walk up and grab the dolphin striker and shake the boat. If the post moves or the dolphin striker rod makes a dull thud, something is not right!
At least once or twice a season, you should check the bolts that secure the crossbar to the hulls.
For boats with a mast ball. If you're sailing in salt water, even just part time, you should also loosen and lube the dolphin striker post. There is typically a sleeve and nuts that go through the crossbar that will seize up and cause failure down the road.
Hobie 18s have a lot of metal contact with the crossbar end caps and the dolphin striker rod. Lubing and adjustment here will provide years of service out of the boat. If you have some sort of mast step, shaking the boat via the dolphin striker post will indicate any issues with loose rivets as well. Loose rivets are easy to replace. Loose rivets will wallow out the holes and make future repairs a much bigger PIA.
At least once or twice a season, you should check the bolts that secure the crossbar to the hulls.
For boats with a mast ball. If you're sailing in salt water, even just part time, you should also loosen and lube the dolphin striker post. There is typically a sleeve and nuts that go through the crossbar that will seize up and cause failure down the road.
Hobie 18s have a lot of metal contact with the crossbar end caps and the dolphin striker rod. Lubing and adjustment here will provide years of service out of the boat. If you have some sort of mast step, shaking the boat via the dolphin striker post will indicate any issues with loose rivets as well. Loose rivets are easy to replace. Loose rivets will wallow out the holes and make future repairs a much bigger PIA.