ncmbm Please email me or call

I have an SX as well, running large square top and blade jib similar to Tiger but custom made for the boat. I decided this past weekend that I too now want a self tacker. Can you please go into detail what you had to do to make it fit the curved crossbar? My email address is jackflash at houston dot rr dot com or my cell number is 713-449-8667. Photos would be way cool too if you could.

Collin

Jack,
I'll explain it here so others can use the info. First I used a self tacker for the I-20. It has 6 feet that are not moveable. I believe the Tiger system would be easier to install. I started the fitting by fitting the jib and then looking at where it swung in relation to the crossbar. I needed tomount the unit as far forward as possible. I centered the unit and positioned it so the center 2 feet were right at the edge of the tramp track and clamped it in place. I then measured the distance from the base of the outer leg to the crossbar and cut that distance off the center legs with a band saw. I then refitted and clamped the unit and measured the distance on the outer feet again. This measurement was used to cut the next 2 feet. At this point all 6 feet touch the crossbar. The outer legs were not cut so they are ready but the next 2 and center 2 now need to be machined. They have a notch the foot goes up in and a hole for the clevis pin. Cutting the notch was no problem but boring the hole was an issue. I found a long drill bit that would go thru the hole in the outer leg and allow me to bore the next leg. I wasn't sure about the center 2 feet being needed and didn't want to drill holes for rivets in the tramp track and thru the tramp. As the tiger system only has 4 legs outboard I determined the center feet were not needed, sailing proves this to be true. I will soon cut those legs off completely as the traveler line gets stuck on them from time to time. All in all it was easier than I thought it would be. Hobie provided directions for me which are still on this site and there are pics of my boat with the tacker on Catsailor. Let me know if I can help any further. The unit you buy may require something different be done, the tiger system is quite different for the I-20 system. This is by far the best improvement I've made to the boat. Even better than adding a spin. You will love it!!!

Thank you for the detailed story. I am having a hard time finding the pics on catsailor. What album are they in?

linked to a thread about self tacker help

Thanks, I found them. Nice set up. I ordered the deluxe tacker kit for the Tiger from my dealer today. I went with the Tiger tacker because it was less money and more readily available. I also ordered the feet that rivet to the cross bar from Perfomance Catamarans because the Tiger feet mount vertically and are contoured for the Tiger crossbar. That makes three Nacra parts on my Hobie if you include the snuffer hoop and bag. The bag still says NACRA in big white letters. It is usually good for a few laughs. The self tacker should be here next week and I will start to get to work. My jib was made specifically for the boat by Ullman so it is already got the correct sheeting angles.

I will update here once the job is done.

Jack,
Let me know if I can help further. I think the Tiger system will be a better fit. Trey Brown helped me get the tacker. It was damaged on his new I-20 during a charter. Diamond wire wore into the track. I got a new track and the unit for $100 bucks, couldn't pass on that deal. LOVE IT!!!!!