PentexR squaretop and Pentex jib combo?

Hi guys and gals, sorry, but I originally posted this message in the wrong catagory. So here I go again. I am relatively new to owning a Hobie h18 and sailing it. Currently i do not race(probably shouldn't) but, I still try to sail fast (most of you would laugh) and want to become faster through knowledge, technique and some performance upgrades. I am still getting used to the technical references and phrases used when describing sailing in general, so please be easy on me. Sounds like there are lots of highly experience sailors using this forum that are reliable sources for info. My boat is a 1978 standard Hobie 18 that I take a lot of pride in owning, sailing and taking care of. I have sailed and LOVED it for a whole season now!. Everything on the boat, seems like, is in good condition other than the sails. I have spent countless hours and many late nights cleaning, scrubbing, de-oxidizing the hulls and daggers, as well as replacing all lines, shock cords, small pieces and pullies and or blocks. From what I've seen and heard from other local sailors and what i feel like is that my sails are at least becoming "sacked out" (stretched and worn) and i would like to replace them. I was thinking of replacing them with a PentexR square top main and pentex jib combo from Whirlwind Sails. My mast is a comp. tip though. Has anyone owned a set of these or heard anything about these sails? I am referring to the performance and durability of these sails vs. standard sails made by Hobie or others. These sails by Whirlwind will cost me approximately $400-$600 more. I think I need sails anyway and just wanted some input on whether or not this would be a good way to "hotrod" my "hobester" according to all you relative "pros" out there. Anything would appreciated! Thanks -wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

"Performance upgrades" is one of the last things you want to do. Learn to sail well first. It will yield the best results for the least amount of money. There is plenty of good books on sailing. The little widgets look cool but aren't a wise investment untill you really need them and actually pull some speed out of your investment. If your sails are in really bad shape then replace them. No sense in using incorrect/worn out equipment either.

Chip at Whirlwind makes a terrific product. I bought a jib from him last year and the workmanship was very good. If you don't plan on racing one design at Hobie events I would use an aftermarket square top main.



The square top sail in the back is built by Sabre, owned by a friend of mine.

do you have a comp tip mast?
the comp tip will allow the square top main to fall to leward under hard sheeting, on a comp tip mast the orrigional mast was always the best one for me, if you have a non comp tip mast then a loose footed pentax would be nice. but the square top is a beast to get a hold of in a blow but fun to learn.

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

if its down wind performance your looking for just spin rig it and get a nice set of hobie sails for the main and jib.

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

Thanks for the input guys. Yes i have a comp tip and no, I'm not really looking to improve on downwind performance yet. I am at this point still focussed on just handling and sailing the boat well /correctly but feel that some new sails are in order do to wear and distortion and I just think that truthfully, those PentexR square top sails look SOOO cool and would work. Basically just wanted some input on whether or not to spend the extra dough to get "these kind of sails" vs. maybe some standards made by Hobie or so. I get my "schooling" from a few local sailors and have gotten loads of help/advice from Jeremy over the phone at Surf City Catamarans on basic technique and tuning (actually, he's probably helped me the most). I am located in northern CA in the Redding area and sail on a small but beautiful lake called Whiskytown Lake. There is nothing super serious as far as racing goes up here and there only about thirty Hobie/ catamaran owners on this lake so I'm not worried about being class legal or any thing. Just wanted to know if this buying decision(PentexR sguaretop) would be a waste of money and/or not work for me or my boat. Thanks guys, not trying to be redundant with my posts, just wanting make my story clear. Again any input would be appreciated, thanks. -Wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

I bought a set of Pentax sails from Whirlwind sails last winter for my 1988 H18M and absolutely love them! My sails are in the second pick down from the top at the link below. Yes, the comp tip mast does flex a bit when sheeted in hard but the performance difference between my old blown out sails and the new sails is definately noticable. I would highly recommend the Pentax sails if you can afford them. Ask Chip for the "winter discount".

http://www.whirlwindsails.com/photos.htm

Thanks for the reply! Your picture of your boat on his web site and talking to Chip is the whole reason I want Pentex sails so bad. But after browsing this forum for a little while I thought it might not be such a great idea because of the comp tip overflex that I've heard about. You say they are worth it though(you know thats what i wanted to hear), huh! Can you tell me what differences you notice in handling, speed, downwind, or maybe just in general right off the bat. thank you for your input, it all is very appreciated.

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

good luck with the new sails and yes jeremy is verry usefull in the northern ca area. Im in eureka and he sold me my new tiger and sold my 18 magnum for me. I have heard some good things about whiskytown and hope to get some time on it this year. hope to see you on the water. if your out on the coast let me know i have a new tiger that can always hit the bay.

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

Hey man thanks for the invite, i will keep that in mind for sure. Eventually I WILL own a Hobie Tiger. Those boats are so cool. Happy sailing to you as well buddy thanks again

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

I have been talking to Chip about buying a main for my 5.2 and looks like that will be the route I am taking soon.

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

Maybe you're thinking that since my boat is on Chip's website means that I somehow get a cut out of every sail he sells but nothing could be further from the truth. I was so happy with the way they looked on my boat that I asked him if he would put the pick on his website. Of course he complied . Seriously though, even though I raced 16's fairly extensively back in my younger days, the only racing I do with my 18 is an occational long distance race out of Ventura to the local islands. I do have to take a "Portsmouth number" hit due to the square top sail now but I could care less. I notice the most difference in performance while upwind sailing. Obviously this is because of the new, flatter sail and would most likely be felt when replacing an old blown out sail with any newer, flatter sail. I like the Pentax material for its resistance to stretching and basically because of its modern look (sorry, cosmetics are also important to me)

Bottom line is that I had been drueling over the sails pictured on Chip's website for quite some time but couldn't justify the cost until I called him last winter to ask him some questions. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse because of the slower winter season. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll be happy with the increased performance of newer sails.

Happy sailing!

No, I really don't think that you get a cut of chips profits, no. Secretly, I just was hoping that SOMEONE would think that these sails WOULD be a good idea because like you, I think they just look cool and after talking to Chip, I was SOLD on the performance aspect of the sails. I DO want to go fast as possible Honestly, the way that your sails looked on your boat on that site was almost enough to make me jump even before I talked to Chip. It is a lot of money though, so I'm going to wait until mid-spring. Thanks again for your input! p.s. cant wait for spring!

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

chip also makes a verry nice cover for the tiger. and the bag for the snu for the spin. and the cover is trailerable so my tigers clean when i get to the event. i love it

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

Nothing like a clean Tiger

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

I put used Tiger sails on my 18m with an SX mast, comptip. I think its more than worth it. You may wish to consider buying a used Tiger main and having it altered for the standard mast, it would cost less. I also strongly suggest changing the jib system to a self-tacking set-up. Pentex sails are definately worth the extra money and Whirlwind makes a great product.