As the Hobie 16 is not the stiffest boat in the World any stiffness that can be gained is a bonus. The stiffer the boat is the faster it will go. By getting the trampoline as tight as possible it will help the rigidity of the platform, making the boat stiffer and therefore faster. Be careful as not to pull out the eyelets when doing this though. Everyone uses different methods to get the tramp tight, but I still think using the pair of old gloves and your hands is the best way. Remember bending the side bars reduces leverage when trapezing.

Consider using the mainsheet; if it is long enough, tie the mainsheet, with alot of play so that the main and traveller are uncleated, at the rear cross beam, then run the line in between the shrouds to the front cross beam of the raised hull and tie it there. Holding the mainsheet as if it is a righting line.

Using a mast step link kit. Make sure you put the pin in the hole that matches your boat. The Hobie 16 hole is the lower one, the Hobie 14 hole is the upper one. Make sure you use the correct hole, as otherwise you can break your mast base and replacing a mast base is a bear of a job!

If you are looking to replace your jib haylard consider spending the extra cash converting to the Aussie jib haylard. With the Aussie system the compression is at the top of the mast versus the traditional system with compression at the bottom of the mast. This puts the bend at the top where you want it. Note this is worthwhile if you have a comp tip, if you are solid aluminum don't bother changing.

On Hobie comp tip masts, the lower 3/4 of the mast is black anodized aluminum. The top of the mast is fiberglass (called a "comp tip"), It is not for performance, but rather part of a settlement for a law suit by family of someone who wheeled the boat with mast up in to power lines.