Another mast rake/forestay lengh question for a newbie

Alright I’ll start off by stating that I searched the forums and found some good information regarding mast rake but still think I would like some opinions based on my situation and the pictures posted below. I bought this 2005 Hobie 16 used and stepped the mast this weekend for the first time (I have zero experience but follow direction well) this is what the mast looks like after being stepped. From the research I have done I think I have the Ausi forestay cable (didn’t have a measuring tape but measured the forestay cable with my wing span 6’ to an estimated >19’) which leads me to believe I am working with an Ausi forestay. That said I do not feel comfortable storing the boat with the mast up in this position as it feels extremely unstable and I feel like it could fall out at any time. I read that the cable was lengthened to increase rake and eliminate the possibility of the forestay cable being loaded while sailing? If this is true would it be a bad idea for me to shorten the cable? There are some other older 16’s near mine that have a near vertical mast with all cables taught while being stored. As you can see in the pictures I always have one of the shrouds with slack due to the mast leaning back and off to one side. The shrouds are pinned in the middle hole (4th from the top) and the jib forestay is in the 3rd hole from the top. The jib forestay is so long it really makes no difference in what position the shrouds or jib forestay is pinned in.

http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l562/wadefrank/?action=view&current=IMGP0001.jpg

http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l562/wadefrank/?action=view&current=IMGP0003.jpg

http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l562/wadefrank/?action=view&current=IMGP0005.jpg

http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l562/wadefrank/?action=view&current=IMGP0007.jpg

http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l562/wadefrank/?action=view&current=IMGP0009.jpg

Use your jib halyard to keep the rig tight if storing with the mast up.

As far as your forestay problem, I have no clue.

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

I agree, attach the halyard to the bridles and tension to pull the mast forward for storage.

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

So you don't think there is an issue with the length of the forestay cable? I am hoping that I dont need to shorten the cable or buy a new one!

No issue with the forestay. That is the correct look. Allows for max rake when sailing. That is better performance and less likely pitch pole. The guys with upright masts will be slow upwind and more likely to stuff a bow off the wind.

Rig the sails. Tighten the forestay. Check the distance between main boom blocks and blocks on the car. The gap should me minimal when the main is sheeted tight. Adjust shroud pin locations to achieve the best rake for your block setup. Older blocks were larger and required the mast be more forward.

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

What a relief, I thought there was a problem with the 16!!! I will go ahead and set up the sails this weekend and see how that goes!