Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:31 pm

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 10:20 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:27 am
Posts: 13
Location: Marblehead, MA
Howdy, I just bought a late 70's H16 and can't wait to get sailing here in Marblehead.
I wanna make sure everything's tuned well though, so I'm wondering:
Is there a rule of thumb for tensioning the battens in both sails? What about rig tension? I know for 420's there are charts for different weights, winds and seas and getting the right tension is really an art. Are there any such charts for the H16?

My Hobie also came with quick releases on the shrouds with little extenders, so you can add about 5 feet to the windward shroud when capsized, which apparently helps for righting it. But all the pics I've seen of newer boats don't have these. Were they just a fad that no one really uses anymore? also with regards to righting, could I just use any old line for a righting line or is it gonna make a big difference to have the officially designed for that purpose line?

One more question! When lacing the tramp (mine's vynl) should I use a strechable line like nylon, or something with no stretch to get better tension (but could this lead to tearing the vynl?)?


Thanks!

_________________
Hobie 16 sail # 9281


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:52 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4268
Location: Jersey Shore
Batten tension, you want at least enough tension to take all the wrinkles out of the pocket, but not so much that you can't "pop" the battens across after tacking. This usually means just enough tension so the batten will "stand up" on it's own while tensioning before hoisting.

Rig tension, there are plenty of different theories I'm sure, but at a minimum, you want the rig loose enough that the mast can rotate freely, so just "snug" is a good starting point.

The shroud extenders are an accessory that the previous owner added. They are not a stock item. Might not be a bad idea if you're single handing or sailing with a lightweight crew. But beware that you have to have a secondary line or cable that keeps the mast base connected to the step if you use the extender. Otherwise the mast could pop out while righting leaving you dismasted. Also, are you sure about that 5 feet? That sounds like WAY too long.

You don't need any special line for righting. It just has to be thick enough that it's easy on your hands and long enough that it allows you to lean as close to parallel to the water as possible.

For lacing the tramp, there have been different theories over the years. I think no-stretch line is best and what is common these days. To prevent tearing out grommets, thread the line and tension it gradually. You're more likely to tear out a grommet if you pull full load all at once.

sm


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:45 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Wed Jul 21, 2004 7:46 pm
Posts: 1457
Location: Santa Cruz
I saw a cool demo one time at a H16 tuning clinic with Armando Noriega.

Lay the sail on the tramp and tension the battens until when you 'pop' the lower battens up and they stay you have enough tension.

Get the tramp as tight as you can.

J

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group