Goose Neck Mast Track

Hello all,

I am new to the room & have been using this board extensively over the last week. I purchased a 1987 H16 w/ comtip last weekend. Everything I know so far about the boat - I learned here. Thanks for that!

This aftrenoon I decided to rig the boat for the first time. Everything went fairly well w/ a few minor glitches. When I raised the mainsail.. I was easily able to pull the steel halyard leader into the V clip atop the mast. However, this left the goose neck lined up on the opening at the mast base. I assume this goose neck slides into the track * down beneath the opening w/ effort from the downhaul. I could not get that thing down into the slot.. even w/ my best effort. I noticed the instructions mentioned sheeting in the main to help with this. If I am able to get it in there w/ that method.. it is going to be one piano string of a downhaul. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Am I doing something wrong?

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Anderson, SC
1987 Hobie 16
Learning to sail.

Annacat - You're correct in assuming that the gooseneck does go into that opening at the mast base and slides down into the track with some effort from the downhaul. Sheeting in the main helps considerably.
Make certain that your boat is pointed directly into the wind before sheeting in the main and keep the mast from rotating while dong this. The gooseneck should drop down easiy with a little downhaul effort and some guidance and jiggling, etc. No need to try tightening it any further with downhaul effort.
After cleating the downhaul, remember to release the main.
It becomes easier after you've done it once or twice.
Where do you live and sail? It's so much easier to learn to rig and sail if there are other knowledgable sailors right there with you. Joining a nearby Fleet is the absolute best for learning and keeping our sport safe.
Good luck.
Richard

Assuming you have the stock downhaul setup, the line should be long enough to create a (friction laden) 3:1 purchase by threading it down through the hole in the downhaul cleat, back up through the ring in the bottom of the gooseneck assembly, then back down to the downhaul cleat. Without this purchase, it will be much more difficult.

Also, if the outhaul is on tight, try loosening it. Otherwise, it holds the boom a little too far forward causing the gooseneck to be at an angle that resists sliding in the slot. A Trentec gooseneck bearing will help a lot, too, if you don't already have one.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

The addition of the bearing as mentioned in the previous post is a big help. I do one thing that has made it much easier. It is harder to describe than do it but I'll try. Take the downhaul line through the cleat and back up through the ring on the gooseneck but instead of taking it back down, take the end over the top side of the gooseneck leaving a loop on one side and the end on the other. Then pull down on both sides, including the line coming out of the ring. You will be pulling on 3 lines at the same time. As you pull down, pull towards the mast to straighten the gooseneck and avoid the problem of the angle, also described in the previous post. Once downhauled enough, let the end go back and down to the cleat.

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Howard

Thanks for the help. I did not realize just how much tension was placed on that downhaul. I'll go back & use the methods mentioned here to make it happen. I've found someone with exp willing to provide some instruction on the water. The guy is my best friend's son.. and a safety officer at a local sailing club . I have tons of respect for my inability to swim long distances in 58 degree water. I'm extremely tempted to try this solo.. but just can't feel good about doing that. 99% of my boating exp is on power boats & kayaks.. mainly on Lake Hartwell SC & Charleston SC. Again, I appreciate the help w/ how to get that gooseneck down into the track.

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Anderson, SC
1987 Hobie 16
Learning to sail.

If you are going to sail in water that cold, get a sailing wet suit. Another item I never sail without is sailing gloves. I have gotten blisters on my hands more than once without them.

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Howard

Annacat - Howard (hrtsailor) is absolutely right about wearing a wetsuit when sailing in cold water. I believe most experienced Hobie Cat sailors wear a Farmer John style wet suit. I, myself, wear a wetsuit vest instead of a full farmer when sailing in cold water. I might also wear a sweatshirt and a nylon jacket with a hood - and always wear a life jacket. I've learned years ago that I can sail, run, bike and hike in cold weather with no leg protection as long as my upper body and head are warm. My wife wears a Farmer John and dresses warmer.
You sound like you're very fit, so I suspect that you lack the necessary weight (as an INexperienced Hobie sailor) to right your boat should you capsize while sailing solo. It would be a good idea to carry a righting bag - just in case....
You're lucky to have your best friend's son, the safety officer, help you gain some knowledge and experience.
Enjoy your boat in comfort and safety.
Richard

I've ordered a 3mm farmer style wetsuit made by NRS. I already have "semi-dry" top I use when kayaking in cold water & plan to combine the two. Annacat is my daughter's nicname. I'm 6'1 250lbs.. I think thats enough to right the boat solo.. but will not know until I try. I'll have a few folks w/ me on a backup boat for the first day out. .

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Anderson, SC
1987 Hobie 16
Learning to sail.

My sail/boom gooseneck would not reach into the track below the opening without tons of downhaul. Then the comp tip mast would have lots of bend. I decided my bolt rope had shrunk and needed to be released some to make it work right. I've just released and resewn the bolt rope in and will see if it made any difference this next weekend. Even with a lot of downhaul my sail was bagging between the battens near the bolt rope. I think I've fixed it.

I knew something wasn't right with my sail because none of the other sails I've owned were like that. The sail material is still crisp..

Anyone else had a shrunken bolt rope on a Hobie sail?

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Mike
Pearland, TX
1990 Hobie 16
http://feidler.blogspot.com/
Member of Surfside Sailing and Hobie Fleet 33
http://hobiefleet33.com

I've seen it on one where the boltrope was repaired/replaced improperly. Never on a newer stock sail.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

We had perfect weather today.. so I decided to solo learn. My sister provided backup via kayak. I had no troubles getting the gooseneck into place using the above methods. Thanks to all who helped me with the great advice. I combined; sheeting in & a double purchase - it went into place w/ no effort. The sailing trip was excellent!! I could not be happier with my "new to me" hobie .

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Anderson, SC
1987 Hobie 16
Learning to sail.

Super! Do you sail on Hartwell? You must find some time Easter weekend to check out the Spring Fever Regatta:

http://www.twinhulls.com/springfever/

You'll see lots of good H-16 sailors there who'll likely be glad to show you some tips. Several of my H-16 buddies will be there (but not me).

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

The website is calling it the largest multi-hull event in the US? I'm located about 12 mile's N of the event by water & plan to attend.

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Anderson, SC
1987 Hobie 16
Learning to sail.

Sweet! It is a huge event, and I hear it's a blast! Try to catch up with Karl from FL and Jim from MS (both on H-16s). Jim will be easy to find....just look for the oldest (I think he sailed on the Mayflower) and grouchiest person there. Karl has been sailing since the heyday, as well, and used to run an H-16 beach rental. They're all good folks and will be glad to offer any help you might need with your boat.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

I tried and could not do it and I too am 73" tall and packing 250lbs. To be fair though I capsized into a marsh during a "hurricane" in NH and could have had the mast stuck in mud. I was solo and ended up having to hand-over-hand the mast up until the boat righted in water that was leach infested and about two feet deep. Who knew there is leaches in New Hampshire? Oh yea my wife, she just never told me.

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Corey
82 H16 project complete