2 things: Main Sail and Harness

Hi all, pleased to see the Hobie fans are so numerous and passionate by the number of posts and replys.

Little intro: I just bought a 1982 Hobie Cat, never sailed before and I a blast this weekend in the water with no winds at all. I was amazed how fast I could go without any wind, hope to go tomorow if weather is appropriate.

1) My main sail. Do anyone here as a trick to lower the main sail (please inform me if there are propers terms to refer to what I try to describe). The 3 times I lowered the sail, my hands are still remembering. With a friend, I try to rotate the mast as much as I can and tried to pull the rope (to raise sail) as much as I could. Took me 10 minutes each time, but suceeded. Any hints?

2) I would like to buy harness. What size should I buy (I'm a lightweight 6 foot, 150lbs)? what distributor? how much to invest? where to buy? used? anyone would like to sell his (preferably in Québec, Canada)? Maybe I am not ready for a harness (marine guy did not like my way to get back to shore).

Regarding raising and lowering the mainsail, there are numerous posts on this (Hobie 18) forum as well as a dedicated section of the FAQ forum. Do a search and you'll probably find the answer to all of your questions.

Basically, to lower the main, first point the boat directly into the wind (very important), then pull the halyard so the sail goes up as high as it can and stops, then rotate the mast so that the hook is rotated away from the halyard ring, then lower the sail about 1 foot so the ring is below the hook, then straighten the mast and lower the sail the rest of the way.

sm

Always use gloves to raise and lower the sail. If the hook is on the starboard side of the mast. Raise the halyard fully. When the halyard is at the full top off the hook keep tension and rotate mast fully to starboard. Pull down about a foot as you release halyard. let rotator come back to middle and drop sail. If you have the little flapper on the mast hook It's more difficult to do but managable. Or you can just drill out the rivet and remove the flapper. To make sure you get the sail all the way up I will put the halyard behind me back like I'm repelling then put one foot on the rear crossbar and push myself back.

As for a harness. The best I have used are the Hobie Convertable, Aquata Worrell 1000, and the ZHIK. Each has it's own good and bad points. See if any of the locals will let you try their harness for size and fit. Or a local dealer might have a few for you to try on for sizing.

Never go cheap on a harness or life jacket to save a few bucks. Remember the life your trying to protect is your own. A comfortable jacket and harness make all the difference late in the day or when your in the drink wondering what just happened. Be safe ,sail hard , have fun.

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

Thanks to srm and hobie18rich, your hints are really really valuable.

I have started looking for a trampoline, here are my research so far, any suggestions?

http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/servlet ... ine/Detail 315$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 269$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 299$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 315$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 259$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 346$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= 302$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hobie-18 ... 0342218890 346$
there is no price on the hobie internet site

they dont all look alike, do they all fit on a hobie 18, year 1982?

Thanks,
JF

JF

For a tramp go with the Hobie tramp. It will out last and fit properly. I tried one of those aftermarket tramps and it was total junk. 1 hobie tramp that lasts 10 years is better than 10 cheap ones that last 1 year each.

Rich

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

Trampoline.

I contacted a hobie dealer, prices are a lot higher for hobie trampoline (then what is mentionned in previous post)

Could anyone tell me what is the difference between a mesh and vinyl trampoline? Which would you suggest?

Price is 75$ for mesh. Dealer also has a used vinyl.

Thanks

I have a Hobie factory white viny one. Bought it new was only on my boat a couple of months when I found a yellow one to go with my color scheme. It is a 9 out of 10 no rips or tears, no gromets pulled. $250 delivered to your door. I like vinyl compared to mesh as I sail during the cold months and vinyl keeps the water from spraying up. E-mail for pics. Jim.

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ADDICTION
1989 HOBIE 18 SE/sx wings
HOBIE ALTER SIGNATURE MODEL