Tuning
In most situations, the H16 mast is raked back as far as possible. You are limited by the distance between the boom and the rear crossmember and the distance between the clew of the jib and the jibsheet blocks. The cut of the jib was changed to allow further rake and low profile jib and mainsheet blocks are essential.
For maximum speed, the windward hull should be flying and skipping along the surface of the water. H16s do not beat particularly well, nor do they sail directly downwind particularly well. They, however, are proficient at reaching, so if in doubt, sailors are encouraged to sail at more reaching angles.
H16s at speed in choppy waters are prone to "pitch-pole". This is where the leeward bow digs into the back of a wave and if the main is not de-powered immediately and the crew's weight isn't back far enough, the boat is liable to trip head over heels. The pitch-poling tendency of the Hobie 16 results from a number of design factors; the relatively large sail area to hull length ratio and the flat top of the hulls are particular contributors. Crews are advised to keep their body weight as far back as possible in strong winds when sailing at angles between a broad reach and true reach; to this end it is advisable for the heavier crew member to act as helm. When beating, pitch-poles are less common and weight can be brought forward to aid angle of point.
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