Jib Luff Tension

I just got a new jib for Christmas .I have a few questions on the luff tension.Is it factory set,should it be adjusted,why is it at the head of the sail and finally why do they use such a mess of line for the adjustment?

It is factory set. The diameter of the line allows multi purchase adjustment (fine tuning) and lots of it is for the needed strength. Its at the head to bring the jib foot as low as possible and to stay-out-of-the-way as most do not adjust this line. To adjust properly, you need to rig and tension the mainsheet and flip the boat on its side to reach the adjustment line.

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

The first thing I do when I get a new jib is to drill out the shackle at the tack and move it to the head. The benefits are that you can adjust the jib luff tension without flipping the boat on the beach. Also if the line wears out and breaks you will still be able to finish the race. There is more load on the line when it is at the head so it is more likely to break in that configuration.
This doesn't effect how low I can set the jib because I never put the jib tack on the very bottom hole anyway. If I did the jib would be two-blocked before it was in all the way.

BTW: Another factory setting that needs to be adjusted is the main halyard height. The rules have recently been clarified to make clear that the main sail can be hoisted to the top of the mast extrusion. The factory setting is a little short of full hoist. On most boats it would not be all that critical but on the 16 it effects how much you can rake the mast so every little bit counts.

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http://hobiebob.blogspot.com/

When you drill out the shackle,what do you replace the pin with?Also how often and under what conditions would you adjust thje jib luff tension?

I replace it with a pin and a ring, then tape it all up nice.
I almost never adjust it but it does need to be re-set every once and a while. Also I tend to notice when the line needs to be replaced right before we go out for a race so it's nice to be able to fix it without flipping the boat over.

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http://hobiebob.blogspot.com/

Thanks,I think I will try that.

It's very important to only adjust the luff tension once the jib is up and the jib halyard is tight. Other wise the jib can take all the tension before the cable and you can rip the top grommet out of the jib.

I also move the string to the bottom. The rivet at the top is aluminum and drills out very easily.

cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill