I am new to cats and I have an old one that needs some work. I want to add a trapeze setup and I am not sure of all the pieces I need. I have done some research and have an idea of what I need. I know I need the trapeze and the trapeze shock cord. I am just not sure if I should get the standard dog bone, rope and rope lock or the EZ up trapeze setup.

Thanks
Larry

good question... i would like to know the proper set up as well

I have used the Hobie catalog to get a good idea of what to use. http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/08_9-11.pdf

There is a thread in the open forum that had some good info in it as well as some pictures that also showed the setups for the trapeze.
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=154333#Post154333

Hope this helps some. I'm too new to the trapeze to answer questions personally.

Kent

Avoid the dog bone rings like the plague unless you like to be continually hit in the face. I like the cable rings with plastic handles.

Thanks. It looks like I should go with something like the EZ up trapeze setup for now. The ideal one is this Trapeze rig but that is more money then I am ready to spend now since I have some other items that I need also.

thanks again.

I've never been much for the adjustable traps. It's just one more thing to go wrong and dump you in the water.

So just use the standard shock cord and rope but use something like a can't miss ring instead of a dog bone?

Yes, those J&H handles are a bit pricey but very nice. If you're setting up a double trapeze order one pair of each color. The likelihood of you and your crews' trapeze "height" being the same will be rare. You'll want to designate one color as "skipper's" and the other as "crew's". Nothing more annoying than hooking up, sliding out and being too low or too high on the wire.

A lot of folks like to double up on the rope locks (an insurance policy) as heavier crew can cause their premature failure.

Another nicety, is the removable sheave, block to put on the end of the trapeze wire. Allows the rope to move freely, or smoother than through the thimble.

I used a piece of spectra for the line on my trap handles. It works almost as well as having a block, slippery and thin.

I have another question. I was planning on buying one trapeze setup now and another after I sailed awhile. Is it ok to add the second set later on or would it make more sense to bite the bullet now and buy the double trapeze setup now? Here is the double. Double trapeze setup I could save some money for now because I don't have to buy all the other parts also.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Larry

The double set up keeps things simple but you can add a second set later. They'll attach to the same shackle as the first set.

I like the dogbone/keyhole style - in light wind you can use the upper hole to hook into and just hang out w/o your rear in the water. Also great for kids and first timers to get used to going out on the wire. I use a small bungee chord wrapped around the front corner of the pylons to keep them in place when not in use so that don't whack me in the face

We used to like those, too, except that the cable deforms where you hook on, and then it bends more and more at that point, until eventually it breaks and dumps you in the water.

There was a problem with that quite a few years ago, but it has been solved. Keep an eye on your handles, you can usually tell the might be getting UV degraded, and replace as neccessary. (maybe 6-7 years???)

Have used the B&H Quick hit handle for many years and many races, they are a great piece of equipment.

J & H Handles... Jeff and Hobie.

I never knew that ,now it all makes sence.

Is there a weight limit to these? The first time I used one of mine, it deformed into a "V" at the bottom and the cross handle bent. The others seem fine after use. I have a 2009 H-16 and they came with the boat. I weight 200 lbs. Would it be covered under a warranty?

Would be very unusual to bend the actual handle part... I have not heard of that in many years. Nothing like a plop down on the wire or a violent pitch pole involved? You may have hung from the handle itself. Could be warrantied. Check with your dealer and have then shoot us a claim.

No, nothing violent and no pitch pole. First time use. I went out and came back in when I realized there was not enough wind to be there.

Here is the line-up. They have all been used but only one bent.



Here is the bottom side.



Here is the top. There was no impact and I did not jump out on it either. I thought that I needed the dog bone but everyone I talk to likes these. Maybe I just got a bad one. It still works, just looks like crap.

Matt, I had both J&H handles on my new 17 and my 16 collapse like that (covered under warranty).

Maybe time to lose some weight.

I know Pat Bisesi fills his with Marine Tex to keep it from happening.