Hobie 18 SE/SX Jib Dimensions & Downhaul Options

Recently purchased a 1980 Hobie 18 SE. At this point my partner and I are recreational sailors, not racers, but consider ourselves intermediate/advanced (gearing up for fall with the drysuits!) All thats needed at this point is a new jib.

From what I've read through on the forums, there are three types of sail material: Mylar, Dacron, Pentex. Also from what I've read, Chuck at whirl wind sails seems the person to turn to for a new sail. So it appears that this Mylar material degrades quickly and delaminates, pentex is faster/more expensive but can also degrade quicker than dacron, so dacron seems so be the way to go. At whirlwind sails there's two other options - polyester or pentex FLEX as well as tri-radial polyester or pentex. So I suppose I have two questions, Dacron or Polyester? Also what does tri-radial mean? Main will stay original if that has any bearing on the tri-radial option.

Another question, what are the exact dimensions of the hobie 18 SE Jib and the hobie 18 SX jib, is the SX simply a bit longer at the foot? Would the extra sail area of a SX jib improve performance on a SE boat or simply take away from it. My local dealer has a 18SX jib in stock, one side dacron the other mylar, is this how the SX sails are made? Im staying away from the Mylar.

One final question! I've noticed on another 18 a downhaul system with two cam cleats installed on either side of the mast about 6-8 inches below the mast rotator. Is this a 6:1 downhaul? This system seems powerful and easy, would the parts be readily available at my local dealer?

Thanks for reading through this to any who post!

First... I think Dacron is the prefered material for a jib. Laminate materials are more prone to damage from luffing and hitting the mast/rigging during tacks.

SX Mylar materials were Dacron/Mylar laminate.

SX and SE jibs are not interchangeable as I recall. I believe the SX version is too long in the luff for the SE forestay.

The cleats would not determine the ratio. You would have to look at how many lines are running vertically between the base and sail foot. You can do more than 6:1 if you want to. Rules say: Sail down haul purchase shall not exceed 8:1 purchase. Hardware varies and many options are shown in the Hobie catalog.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

SE and SX are not interchangable, different luff lengths. Chipp at Whirlwind makes an excellent sail, but if you ever plan to race in a Hobie sanctioned race you will have to have a Hobie made jib to be legal. Other wise like stated Chip is excellent at what he does. I have a Whirlwind spinnaker for my 18 Mag and love the cut and workmanship!! Also Dacron is the way to go, much more durable. Jim Graves.

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

You don't want a pentex or mylar jib if the sail overlaps the mast. It will be killed in the tacks dragging across the mast.

Dacron from Hobie or Chip is a good bet.

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

My boat has a homemade 8-1 downhaul with cams and exit blocks on each side of the mast, where are you located?

SX jib will not fit an SE rig, SE jib can be used on an SX rig

If you are not concerned with class racing get Dacron tri-radial, the radial cuts give more strength to the material and less stretch.

If you think you will class race then you must get the Hobie jib which is panel cut, like your main.

Located in Chicago, IL

Thinking of going 5:1 Downhaul with removable cam screwed into mast slot instead of wriviting the mast.

Thanks for all the info!

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