Storm main too short

So I had an extra main with some mice chew holes in the bottom section and I decided to have the damaged area removed and save it by making a storm main out of it. After all I had a second boom so I figured why not be prepared for broader conditions.

I took it to the loft recommended by the local hobie shop and they did a really good job cutting it down to ~1" below the original reef holes.

I just got the chance to test fit it on my boat and I can't believe it but it's too short. Check this out:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak- ... 8292_n.jpg

Mistake #1: Didn't come to the forum first.
Mistake #2: Didn't give the loft a specific measurement.

Looking back on it though, it should have worked, right? I mean with the reef holes where they are and the vertical flexibility with the distance between the bottom of the mast slot and the top of the downhaul cleat I would have thought cutting it just below the reef holes would have been fine.

What do I do now? All I can think of is adding a slug to the main halyard. Any other ideas?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I'm just a newbie, but that is what I would do. Hopefully someone that knows what they are talking about will chime in.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

You're close. Can't you downhaul it a bit and get the gooseneck into the sail track?

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Sail Revolution
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I would put a single block with becket on the gooseneck and use it for a 3-1 downhaul. Should give you plenty of leverage to pull that down just about the 5-6 inches you need to get it securely in the track. You're gonna want that downhaul tight in heavy wind anyway. I don't see a problem.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

A new slug on the halyard would work a lot better. The last thing you want in a nasty blow is the downhaul to come uncleated and launch the boom out of the mast in a heavy blow.

JEREMY: I gave the downhaul a try but it is verrrry tight. You can see in the picture that the gooseneck fitting is jammed up pretty tight against the main sail feeder.

SEBRING: I will try that, but as I point out above it's really tight. Do you really think I'll get 5-6" out of it just with the addition of the block w/becket?

BTW my downhaul is stock, and lacking. Being a newbie up until now I don't regularly go out in high(er) winds, certainly not enough to need this storm main much, yet. So it is usually enough to simply tie the downhaul off to the cleat. Obviously I need to actually add the beginnings of a downhaul system.

So, block with becket on the gooseneck. Check. What about the other end? Cleat only? Should I go ahead and splurge on the power downhaul system to get the cam at the bottom too?

I'm not a racer, at least not yet anyway. I just like to go fast with friends and family and I don't need the 6:1 class approved gear, even though it looks awesome and I'd love it I'm sure.

Sorry for the simple questions. You guys are awesome.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Might sound jerry-rigged, but what if you put a few shackles between the halyard and the sail just to gain the few inches you need. Or use a 6 inch piece of line tied to the sail and halyard.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Thanks guys!

Sounds like a 'lil bit of both? Improve my downhaul by actually installing a downhaul. Then, gain at least some of the length I need to make up by adding a short piece of line between the head and halyard fitting. The latter is a least a short-term solution that, if it proves itself, could be permanent.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Try this, on a day with little or no wind, sheet in the main a little, down haul a little, sheet in a little more, downhaul a little more, until you are sheeted in hard and downhauled tight. The main sheet will allow you to downhaul further with less effort. It is good to have a friend there holding the mainsheet to keep the boat from capsizing on the beach. Once you get the system down, you can do the same on a windy day.

The after market downhaul with purchase would also help, but the sail actually looks good.

Thanks Hammond! I'll keep that test in mind.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'