Mast rotation control kit/powerpack

I recieved the new Hobie catalog two days ago and did my usual browse through. All the usual stuff is their, plus a newish 6:1 downhaul (I realize this is a 4 month old product, but has really only been available to racers active in amjor events), the EPO rudders (anyone else see the $20 increase on standard blades....hopefully I won't break one anytime soon, though a set of EPO's would be great....finally figured out what everyone was talking about with the EPO's!), and a powerpack for the 14 and one for the 16. Now, the two things in the powerpack that caught my eye were the mast rotation control kit and the outhaul (I understand the downhaul, since it has a detailed description). Their are only two small pictures showing what the outhaul system and mast rotation control kit are. I understand the outhaul, since it is a basic system on most boats (FJ's, 420's, whatever). Now, the mast rotation control is different. Is it a similar system to what is on the H18, P18 etc? How do you install it? What performance advantage is their? My best guess is you file the mast stops a bunch (so the past can swing 90-100 degress), and install the kit. Now, are their lines/blocks etc to control the rotation? Who has the kit and installed it? IS IT WORTH IT? And why can't you buy it and the outhaul seperatly (I don't feel that a 6:1 downhaul would do anything for my 5 batten mainsail that my 3:1 system can't do, except provide an easier on water adjustment)?

Sam

I was interested in the answer to this old post.

I am considering the H14 power pack and would like to know how well it is received now. Is it a plus on the H 14?

I have a 1993 model, good condition with new sail.

Thanks,
Mike

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

Most racers add the kit to allow adjustment on different points of sail or in different conditions.

If you don't race, it's probably not worth installing. The only real reason would be if the stops on your mast step have worn out, a lot of times it's easier to just file them off completely and install the rotation control arm rather than replacing the mast step and mast base.

sm