Jib furler questions

hi y'all,

i just picked up an 80s Hobie 18 a couple weeks ago. I've been working on getting it sea worthy and i have a few questions about the jib furler.

how long should the furling line be?

what line diameter works best?

and lastly what is the best method for attaching the top end of the forestay to the short wire with the swivel (some call it a pigtail?) which connects to the mast. i was thinking just a good shackle or is there something more suitable?

thanks
Nathan

The recommended line diameter and length are listed in the Hobie Line Guide:

http://static.hobiecat.com/2010_archive ... eGuide.pdf

The jib halyard sheave is what is used to connect the top of the main forestay wire to the forestay pigtail. The top of the forestay wire gets pinned to the bottom of the jib halyard sheave and then the swivel on the forestay pigtail gets pinned to the top of the sheave. There is an inset view on Page 18 of the assembly manual that shows this.

http://static.hobiecat.com/digital_asse ... Manual.pdf

sm

ahh all is clear now.

thanks for the insight,

Nathan

just be sure to "wind" the line into the furler in the proper direction. one way, the line will run freely, the other, it will wear on the housing. hobie had a little jam cleat for this line. it is under the front cross member. better off using something more "positive" to grasp the furling line, or the jib will "come out" on its own.