Complete spin system questions

Hi guys, haven't posted in a while.

Speaking of spin shapes and such. Any one here know what kind of a set up the Hobie spin kit from the catalog is for the H18. Is this sail a full and deep shape or more for reaching etc. Next season, i will be looking for a complete spin set up for my boat, and if the Hobie kit (pole, hardware, sail pattern, snuffer etc.) is what to have, so to speak, than that would make it simple for me.

I have ZERO experience with a spin set up, nor have i ever used one. I do not race currently and don't know if i ever will considering i always work the week ends


I have heard that a "chute" is a big part of the sailing experience, on any vessel. I would like to buy a system with the least path of resistance, that is functional (everything works together), economical and hopefully some what easy to obtain.

Lookin' for some of that bitchin' feedback that we always get on this forum guys and gals!!!

thanks -Wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

The spin Hobie sells is the SX spin, full sail for dead downwind. Their kit has a short pole and no snuffer system. The Hobie system is also designed for use with the SX mast which is 1 1/2 feet taller than a 18 mast.
Do you have a solid mast or a comptip? A solid mast can be fitted with a Tiger chute, comptip cannot. In most cases you will end up buying used Tiger/F18 systems and having the chute resized for your mast and spin pole application.

thanks for the reply

Yes, i have a comp tip, dang it!

I could have a custom spin made by Chip at Whirlwind sails, locating the hardware probably wouldn't be too hard, but, where would I buy the snuffer? I'm sure you know right where to look, so hit me with it!! thankyou, thankyou!!

-wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

Having just gone through the parts required to build a spin kit, I can honestly say that if you don't need a snuffer the Hobie kit is well priced. If you're going to buy all of the parts new you'll save a few hund. The Hobie 18 spi, as NC said is pretty full. I ran one on my 18 for a long time and it was cool, but a less full sail would be better I think. Finding an old Tig snuffer may be a cool way to go. Give me a ring W.

And...
Bring that sucker down to Fleet 240's "Hobie tune-up day" on the 21'st. Classes start at 10am with a big cup of coffee, and go through the evening ending with a BBQ on the beach.

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Sail Revolution
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First off that explains why I never can run in to you at whiskytown wes,I didnt know you worked weekends.You will have to be real careful with a spin on the comptip mast,after sailing on a tiger with the chute up it is amazing how much power and forward load is put on the mast.If I hold on to my 18 for a couple of more years i'm going to get a used tiger chute and fab up the hardware except i will buy an aftermarket snuffer like the one Rich has on his tiger.It really works well.
Hey Jeramy where is the tune-up day at? I know I can get my girl to come down if it's at the beach in surfcity,let me know.
shawn [email protected]
82 h18 #8211
Div 3

I started out with an endpole snuffer which I really liked. Broke it in the surf last summer and purchased the new Tiger mid-pole system. I am very pleased with the performance of this new system, better angle on the hoop and great bag design. It really depends on how much fab you are willing to do and how much appearance matters to you. A windsurfer mast or a sunfish spar can be used as a pole. You can buy or make the hoop and bag for snuffing the chute. Blocks, line and rivets will get you the rest of the way. I would strongly suggest buying a lightly used spin and having it altered, new spins are not cheap. I noticed Dan Delave has several for sale at catsailor and I have a F18 large and a small size chute for sale. I really feel that if you mount your spin tang at 25' and create a bail that goes completely around the comptip you will be fine. Just a tang installed on the comptip I would not trust, it will pull out over time.
If you do install a spin always remember that the main is your backstay. You will sheet the main hard while under spin and must NEVER release it, play the traveler to power down, NEVER release the main sheet. Its better to capsize than release the main sheet, your mast can fold under spin pressure.

I have tried a few different systems for the snuffer. I think the "SNU" by dennis at barefoot studios is a great mid pole system. Wide opening, low windage , and easy use in and out. NO holes to drill on your pole and low stretch on the spin material. about $370.00 for the bag and mouth with all hardware, straps and lines . included . http://www.gobarefootstudio.com/snu.html
this is probably the only way to go for a snuffer

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

You guys "Rock My World" with a wealth of knowledge! thanks. So, your main is your back stay, just so that your mast doesn't snap. WHOA, had no idea. I have noticed how all the cat guys, while flying the spinnaker, always have the main cranked in. So its for structural integrity! I've been thinking this whole time, it was a wind dynamic or there would be too much power with the sheets out on the main

slap my hand and take away my birthday!!

I would love to get down there with you guys, but let me guess, is the twenty first on the weekend I really do appreciate the invite and knowledge though. thanks Jeremy. -wes-

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

WOW!! I am sold on the SNU system. Good info Rich, thanks
It even has Jeremys endorsment on the site, done deal!!
thanks again

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Wes
92 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

so then two questions on this....

since the main acts as the backstay downwind, can I asssume that when gybing downwind with a spin, all you do is swing the main traveler without loosening the sheet?

ncmbm- I'm interested in your spins. I had seen elsewhere you have a large and small. For my stock '88 H18 w/ comptip, which of your two is best suited? or modified to suit? I've no experience w/ spins for a Hobie.

Thanks,

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Older Bowman,
Most don't realize that the traveler is centered and the sheets on hard when sailing under spin. All you have to do is jibe the boat down the course. On your boat the jib would need to be reset after the jibe, my boat has a self-tacker so I touch nothing but the chute. Either chute will work. The smaller chute is like new and would be the best candidate for reworking, it also would be more forgiving as you learn. The larger chute is nice but has been used many times, its also multi-colored and would show the alteration. I have spoken to several about these spins and would expect to sell them both soon, so let me know.

UUHAh, UUhah, Is that a cough Wes? I think you're gonna be "sick" on the 21st, and need a little trip to Santa Cruz to feel better. Sean, the event is on the beach, bring the GF!!

The SNU seems to work great.

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ncmbm,
traveler centered eh?.. interesting. what true downwind angle are you sailing with a centered traveler under spinnnaker?

I can't seem to find your earlier post on how much for the spins.
you can email me at: criterion(dot)pub(at)verizon(dot)net or reply here?

Thanks

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

I always keep my traveler centered and use it to dump some main if the hull is too high. no more than a foot of travel . This is effective to about 135 deg off the wind, keeping one in the air and luffing up to gain power/speed and falling off to gain "VMG" .

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