Mast Topper Redesign

After making all the changes to the spinnaker mast topper and to the the way I furl, I still occasionaly get a rare snag. I have a 200 mile regatta coming up and can not risk this in open water
So I took the drastic step of using acrylic to lengthen the mast topper. First by one inch but if I tried hard by furling fast, I could still snag the lines. Then I added some acrylic so that I was adding about 1.75 inches in front and behind the topper. Now it SEEMS imposible to snag. It's not pretty but appears to do the job and still needs be be tested on the water and over time.



If this works, and I suspect it will, then Hobie should suggest their source of toppers redesign these longer. More people would buy these trouble free spinnakers and I for one would be happy to pay for the upgraded version of the topper. Can't add that much in material costs and would certainly look better than mine!

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

If your wondering why so much acrylic in the front of the mast, it prevents the tube from rolling off to one side due to the offset forces on the halyard line and ultimately the shark tubing. All these mods wold not be necessary if the original topper would have been designed longer. Can't complain too much because I love that Hobie designed a wonderfull spinnaker and its clever rigging in the first place.

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

Greg, for a stronger and lighter solution in modifying your topper, look into fiberfix instead of the acrylic on your topper. Fiberfix is an amazing product to have in your toolbox. And their commercials are the absolute funniest ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haPvuhznuyI

The spinnaker is like having a knockout gorgeous girlfriend that can be a complete b*ch when she wants. The benefits and pleasure from having a girlfriend like that are obvious but there can be a hellatious price to pay. I like the spinnaker when it's flying but not when it tangles so my redesigned topper/system has the spinnaker bag mounted to the bow (like the triak) so it's out of the way. It's a completely different system than Hobie's design but it still occasionally causes grief when furling the main.

CC, I like this idea. I need to make sure that extending the topper does not create any issues and if not, I can make it permanent with Fiberfix. My acrylic and be removed. The Fiber fix would look much better. Thanks!

_________________
Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis