Self tacking system? YES PLEASE!

Where would one who owned a standard H18 start to look for parts/kit to convert to a self tacking system? What kinda system would it be? What kinda dollars are talking approximately? I am super interested, sounds like the way to go, no? Could someone dial me in with some info, sure would appreciate it. Thanks

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

I'm not sure if anyone else has attempted this. I was lucky enough to be connected with a track, legs and traveler car from an I-20 for a reasonable price. It took me quite a while to figure out how to attach it to the curved crossbar as it was designed for a flat beam. After much studying and hearing from the guys on catsailor that it couldn't be done, I drank up the nerve to cut the legs of the system and redrill the pivot holes. Drill out the crossbar for rivets and attach the unit. I thought it had to swivel 180 degrees and it didn't, so I freaked. However, after rigging the jib and attaching the lines it became apparent that 30 degrees of motion was more than enough and I had 90 degrees or more. Had to adjust the jib to get the right sheet angle by adding a chain plate at the top of the furler and attaching the clew to it.
This mod removes the jib blocks and traveler tracks from the side of the tramp and moves the entire system to the front crossbar. One line controls the traveler and two sheets control the clew, each with a swivel cam on opposite sides of the crossbar.
If I were to do this again I think a Tiger or F18 self-tacking system will fit easier than the I-20 did. The Tiger system has fewer legs and they are adjustable on the track, the I-20 has fixed legs. I believe you will buy the entire system including sheets, cams, pulleys, rivets, the works, if you order the Tiger system. You can pick up a used jib easily as the F18 guys are all changing to battened jibs instead of furling jibs.
Again, the jib will need to be altered as it is designed for the 29'6" mast of the Tiger or F18.
I feel comfortable saying you can do this for less than 1k. I really think it can be done for $500 if you can piecemeal it, maybe less. Depends on what kind of deals you may be able to find.
I'm happy to help with any and all questions I can. I have really enjoyed the upgrades I've done to my boat.
Later

Hmmmm, should this be my next project for the old 5.2 or would I doom myself if I tried to use a tiger self tacker on a Nacra.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Thank you, I really appreciate your insight. Its definitely something I will be doing in the future. thanks again!

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

Gree,
It should be easier for you as your boat has flat beams. Anyones system would work for you. Maybe consider a FX or H17 jib for your boat, a better fit for your bows and mast height. I am not very familiar with the 5.2 but the H17 needed a crossbar and different bridles and forestay to run a jib. I think the FX is designed to accept it. Even an F16 jib would work for you I believe. Certainly would help with tacking.
Later

Wes
There have been a few tigers die in the area. a couple or colisions where parts may stil be available cheap i'll look out for a few for you if not catsailor may have some.

and if you need help setting it up or need to see how the system attaches let me know.
Rich
[email protected]

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Thank you Rich and everybody, yeah let me know what you find, and I will be contacting you in the future for help with attaching it. thanks -wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

The 5.2 runs a jib, and I sail with one now. But self tacker would be really nice when running the spinnaker downwind. But yeah it should not be to tough.

I just need to find a tiger or other boat that has met a horrible end and still has the track and everything.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Is a self tacking jib benificial with out a spinnaker? He'll be giving up alot of sail area isn't he by switching to a smaller jib that doesn't overlap the main?

It seems like if you are sailing solo and can eliminate the tacking of the jib upwind it would allow you to go upwind slightly faster also. Would it outweigh the lost sail area...who knows.

I am buying a new mainsail, why not just go ahwad and spend some money for a new jib and self tacker...

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

thats a good question Karl. To me simply cleaning up the tramp was worth it. I had always hated the placement of the jib blocks on the 18. I think upwind there is no difference, downwind a little higher angle may be necessary. As I recall, a portion of the stock jib is shadowed by the main downwind. With a spin there is no doubt the self-tacker is superior. It may very well be that the 18 is faster downwind with the stock jib, but the 18 is a notorious pig downwind anyway so no big deal. For hauling butt and playing around the self-tacker just makes for a more enjoyable ride.

anyone know how much of a hit in jib sail area that you are really going to take by upgrading to the self tacker? Up wind, and in a strait line,(no tacking) would the self tacking jib system be as fast as the stock set up or faster maybe? Lets say were using the same type of material for both examples, just so we are comparing apples to apples.

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

If you are taking a hit in sail area, which you will, you will lose some speed. But it won't be much! We are talking 4-5 feet here and yeah they are really important at the top level but at our blasting around the lake level...not very important. You will hurt your speed much more by having your weight placed wrong on the boat.

I am going to do this, mainly so I can carry a jib upwind and downwind while running my spinnaker solo on my 5.2. Now just to find someone with an expensive boat to race....Hey Karl!

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!