H14 Jib Blocks on Front Cross Bar?

Yesterday I saw, parked mast-up in a boatyard, a 14 with jib blocks mounted on the front cross bar of the tramp, like on a 16. It looked like a custom job. The grommeted holes in the tramp, usually used for the jib blocks, were empty. Also, there was a forestay without a jib, and it looked like the jib was hoisted with a halyard, instead of being rolled up with a furler.

Has anyone ever seen something like this? It would be nice to get the blocks off the tramp, I guess - but it seems that blocks on the cross bar of a 14 would put them too close to the jib's clew.

I would imagine that the guy would have to use a slightly smaller jib to enable this system to work, he might be using a full battened one, or if he puts the tang for the jib halyard higher up the mast he could be using a super-high aspect jib, which would be very cool.

This sounds like my boat, it's not, because mine is in California, but, describes my jib to a 'T. You can see a pic of it at - http://www.flickr.com/photos/10165840@N04/838529725/

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Ryan
H-14 Turbo (battened Jib!)

Ryan,

It's been awhile since I posted this query, so I was surprised to see your response . . . thanks. Your boat looks great. How does it sail with the battened jib and the relocated jib blocks? Do you prefer it this way? How did you do it? Where did you get the battened jib -- it's not from a 16, is it? Would like to know more.

Patrick

Hey Patrick,
Well, I sailed a 14 without a jib before this boat and there's no comparison. The jib makes it possible to tack consistantly as long as you pay attention to the basics, without, it's a crapshoot!! I read that even the "good" guys sometimes have to back the jibless 14 through tacks. The only times I blow tacks with the jib are my fault. I've never sailed the "Hobie" turbo version, so I can't compare. I got the boat used with the jib already setup on it. The sail isn't from a 16, it has a sail loft tag on it that says "Super Sailmakers", Ft. Lauterdale, Fla. A quick check of thier website shows a "Super Jib" for the 14, of Challenge Sailcloth, it includes 4 full battens. http://www.supersailmakers.com/store/Ho ... 73C193.cfm
The jibcar tracks are identical to the 16's and I use the same 5/16' sheets as the 16, but I've thought about lighter line as my lake frequently has light winds and I never have trouble sheeting it. Maybe next year!!

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Ryan
H-14 Turbo (battened Jib!)

Ryan,

I have a '93 Turbo, so I'm familiar with the advantages of a jib on the 14. I was just wondering how your jib handles with the blocks being, essentially, right under the clew. I wonder why Hobie didn't mount the jib blocks on the 14T on the front cross bar to begin with, instead of on the tramp, where they get in the way? Or is it the battened jib that somehow makes a difference?

Anybody out there know? It would be nice to someday get the jib blocks off the tramp.

-Patrick

Jib? You don't need a jib. Its soo much more gratifying to sail that boat 'old school'. Its just takes lots of practice and do it in light wind. Read Currys deal on the roll tack and you'll be great.
Also, the 14 North Americans are in the midwest again next year, so practice practice practice and we'll see you in Sept.

How many different variations are there in the setup for the jib? Original H14? Upgraded H14? H14T?