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handles located at the bow and stern are for carrying
only. DO NOT USE THESE HANDLES FOR TOWING
OR AS TIES DOWNS ON A TRAILER.
The mast support on a trailer is subject to a lot of side-
to-side motion and consequently may fatigue where it is
in contact with the trailer. All this can be reduced by
tying a line from each bow to the mast support. This will
stiffen up the rig and prolong the life of the trailer.
LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING
Prepare your boat for launching at the top of the ramp or
parking facility. Remove all tie-down straps, check drain
plugs and fasten the bowline. Do not release the winch
line until the boat is in the water. Back the 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 the vehicle
must be left while on the ramp, set the 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 the 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
lamps. The wire coupling to the towing vehicle should
be high enough to stay dry. Never rely on the trailer
hitch for ground connection. Four-pole connectors
should be used. The mast should not extend over
three feet behind the rear light assembly.
Wheels: Tires should ALWAYS be inflated to the
manufacturer's recommended pressure. Always carry a
spare wheel and a jack that fit the boat trailer. If wheel
bearings are always dunked, waterproof bearings and
caps should be considered. If water is allowed into the
hub, lubricating grease will float away and bearings will
burn out or seize, causing damage and a safety hazard.
Waterproofed bearings should be inspected prior to
each boating season, others more often. Special care
should be given when traveling on unimproved
roadways with small diameter wheels.
If a spare wheel is not available, a spare wheel bearing
set should be taken on long trips in case the grease seal
has been broken.
FRAME AND ROLLERS
Rust should not be allowed to accumulate. Remove
rust and repaint with anti-rust paint. Some trailers offer
galvanized coating to prevent rust. Rollers should roll
freely and should not have cracks, breaks or flat spots.
TOWING VEHICLE
Most vehicles are limited in towing capacity. Towing
heavy loads places extra demands on the engine,
transmission, brakes and other systems vital to the
vehicle. Towing "packages" are available through most
auto dealers and should be considered for heavy boats.
Caution
Boat and mast should be securely
attached to the trailer with adequate tie-
down straps. Failure to do so could
cause serious injury and extensive
damage.
Important Car Topping Information
Caution is required when car-topping the Hobie Bravo or
any object on top of a car. Common sense must be
followed to ensure that the roof rack being used will
handle the weight of the boat. Roof rack manufacturer's
weight limitations and tie down guidelines must be
strictly followed. If in doubt, the best course of action is
to trailer the boat. The following are important rules to
follow.
1. Roof racks that come as standard equipment on cars
are not designed to handle heavy loads. Choose an
accessory roof rack with weight ratings that will handle
the Hobie Bravo or parts. If in doubt, check with the
manufacturer.
2. Make sure the roof rack manufacturer's weight
limitations are followed.
3. Carefully follow the roof rack manufacturer's
directions for attaching the rack to your car.
21
HOBIE Bravo
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
This assembly manual takes you step-
by-step through the set-up and sailing of
your new HOBIE Bravo, and will help
you understand each part in detail.
Setting up your Hobie Bravo
PAGE
Hobie Bravo Terminology................................3
List of Parts .....................................................4
Assembly Instructions ...........................5-10
Mast Ball .........................................................5
A-Frame.......................................................5-6
Righting Line ...................................................6
Sail...............................................................6-9
Mast ................................................................7
Mast and Sail ...............................................7-9
Mast Float .......................................................9
Sail your Hobie Bravo in 3 Steps..........10-11
Rudder Attachment .......................................10
Raising the Mast ......................................10-11
Installing the Mainsheet ................................10
Sailing your Hobie Bravo ......................12-14
Unfurling/Furling the Sail...............................12
Hiking Straps.................................................12
Righting the Boat......................................13-14
Reefing the Sail....................................................15
Installing the Boom (optional) ........................15-16
Sailing Basics ...............................................17-20
Trailering .........................................................20-22
Car Topping..........................................................22
2
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