Why doesn't everyone use an 8:1 mainsheet system?

Had a great sail yesterday - first time trapping off of the wings on my H17. However, pulling the mainsheet essentially with one hand got tiring after a while. I'm considering changing to an 8:1 mainsheet block (from 6:1). The idea of not having to pull so hard sounds great - but, if it's so great, why doesn't everyone use an 8:1? Is it that the extra resistance in the system will make it harder to sheet out during gusts? Cost of the system? On the face of it, one would think that more is better? What's the downside?

thx

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444

1) It's not class legal for racing.
2) My 17's mainsheet is 37 feet long. That's shorter than stock, and it still likes to go swimming when I'm trapping off the wing. If you add 2 more purchases, you're adding another 6 - 8 feet of line - that likes to go swimming.
3) It's really not necessary. Use your legs to help pull in the main.

4) Yes, sheeting out would be a problem and likely cause a capsize.

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

I had some of the same problems so I comprimized by adding a single block (with spring) to the fairlead of the lower mainsheet block and a side becket to the top block to create a 7:1 system.

On the H18 for me the main reason is time, you have a lot more rope to pull through than std to move the main the same distance. It is a huge distraction in the heat of battle.

Its helpful to a certain point but there is just too much rope. In winds of 20 knots and up you still battle pulling in the main. Use your legs to pull in and adjust your cleat so that it cleats when you pull in. Helps with the arms getting tired. Get used to flicking your mainsheet to release cleat, will inspire confidence and ease of use. On trapeze, I usually drop tiller extension and pull with both hands and then grab tiller ext again, use your foot to hold tiller ext in place.

My mistake I made was going for a thinner line, reasoning it would flow through pulleys better - which it does very well, the downside is the line bends easier falling everywhere into the water. When you want to dump you can't due to line far behind you. In summer my hands can hold it very well, but in winter/cold water, when you want to release a small amount, my hands cannot grip very well and end up dumping. Going to try thicker line after our H16 provincials.

Hope this helps ............

thanks - this is all good stuff.
I think part of the problem is that my tiller extension isn't long enough so it wants to fall off the wing when I let go of it to pull the sheet (hard to hold with my leg). A longer extension, I think, will keep the tiller closer by so I can use two hands to sheet in.

A 7:1 was mentioned above. Anyone else tried that? Seems like it might be a reasonable compromise??

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444

The stock tiller extension on the 17 is very long - something like 10'.

If you sail barefoot, you can hold it with your toes (it's what I do sometimes). Or, you can put it between your feet on the wing and past the side of your body.

My 17 didn't come with an extendable tiller: it was a single piece of fiber glass. I replaced it with an extendable aluminum tiller that is 94" long (I think). When I move forward on the wings while trapped, I have to lean in to hold it (seems too short)
I'm therefore thinking of going high end and getting:
ARRIBA CARBON CX-6 63-119"

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444