Super R sails

I have been looking at the Whirlwind Super R square top main.

What are the pros and cons of a sq top on the H16?

I'm not sure there are any pros to a square top main on the H16.

Potential cons include:

Issues with the CompTip luff track
Too much power up high / more pitch pole potential
Not class legal, therefore...
Lowered resale value

A Hobie 16 sails very well with the stock sail setup.

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

Unfortunately, Hobie is unable to match the original sail colors I have forcing me to search for an alternative. The Hobie wannabe aftermarket sails are all 4oz. and I want a quality sail.

I must disagree with Matt. I have a Super R Squaretop on my H17Sport and would not go back to the standard sail unless racing. I don't know about the H16, but on the H17 the Squaretop is a faster sail (IMHO), last longer than the mylar laminate (a H17 issue, not a H16 issue), AND in puffs will spill the puff better than the standard sail (twisting effect). It is also a great high wind sail. Chip at Whirlwind Sails was very accommodating with some minor changes I wanted.

I had one of Chip's sails on my 14 and it was awesome! The square top opened up to dump off wind when needed and it always felt more powerful. I set mine up to be loose footed, so I had a lot more outhaul adjustment, too. I also used lighter fiberfoam battens and decreased the weight as well. I did not use it on a comtip mast.

HOWEVER.... It wasn't fast in light wind. The people with the Stock Hobie sails smoked me.

The 14s with Hooters on the photo section of Whirlwind's site were mine.

Ultimately, I would prefer Hobie mfg sails. I am going to wait another season with hopes Hobie stocks up on some of thisand a littleof this. [color=#FFFF40[/color]

My color scheme is 2 bottom panels blue, 2 white, 3 yellow, one blue and a white.