Help with jib/mast interference

[img]cid:FA35C790-1B06-4285-B283-044086FE614A/photo.JPG[/img]
I don't know if this photo posted correctly but...i have an 80 H16. Very new to ownership. I have set the cat up a number of times. Each time even with significant block assisted jib downhaul, I get significant jib interference. I have referenced the 80's video in the faqs section by mr. Miller. Ive trimmed the battens on the jib. I not really sure what to do know. Any help would be appreciated.
[url]cid:FA35C790-1B06-4285-B283-044086FE614A/photo.JPG[/url]

cid:FA35C790-1B06-4285-B283-044086FE614A/photo.JPG

Let's try this.....

http://www.jungleroots.com/cat-pics/

I can't help you with your jib, but that it undoubtedly the COOLEST dental surgery I have ever seen!!! Makes ME want to come over for a check-up.

But seriously, something is really amiss here. Are you certain it's an H16 jib??? Even applying a huge amount of mast rake probably wouldn't rectify that.

_________________
'97 Hobie 16.

Skype: rob_arnolda

Thanks for the complement! I don't know if it's a Hobie jib. I assume it is because it's matched to the main. I know the main is authentic.

It is a Hobie 16 jib.

The jib overlaps the mast on a Hobie 16. It's the nature of the beast.

When tacking in lighter air (heavy air is not a problem), bringing the jib across is a matter of technique. You can't drag it across with the sheet. The crew should grab the end of the lowest batten and push forward, then across.

Thanks for the clarification. I will have my crew take care of the jib. Any suggestions for solo operation?

Do as MBounds suggested, but be certain that your main is unsheeted and you're through the wind before you leave your position to attend to the jib. Then you can return to the rear (aft) of your boat on the other side - the new windward side. Be certain you're still through the wind before you sheet in on the main. Watch for other boats and obsticles.
Sailing solo can be fun in light to moderate winds, but since you're new at this it's probably a good idea to take along a small paddle.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Richard

Wow. My jib doesn't seen to overlap the mast anywhere near as much. Especially at the clew plate where I'm pretty sure I have at least a few inches clearance.

Are there many different cuts/shapaes around??

_________________
'97 Hobie 16.

Skype: rob_arnolda

The clew plate clearance is highly dependent on 1) mast rake (more rake=less clearance) and 2) where you attach the jib tack on the forestay adjuster (lower=less clearance).

In general, you want to rake the mast back as far as you can and still get firm leech tension on the main when sheeted in all the way. Then you tack the jib as low as you can and still get firm leech tension on the jib when sheeted in all the way. It's a bit of a guessing game, since static settings on the beach will not reflect accurately the dynamic conditions when sailing. Once you find the right settings, mark them so you can remember them the next time you set up the boat.

The original Hobie 16 jib had a single hole clew plate. In the mid-'70s, the current 5-hole clew plate was introduced. In 2000, the cut of the jib changed slightly - longer in the luff and shorter on the foot - to allow more mast rake. The area remained the same. Those are the only significant changes to the shape of the Hobie 16 jib in over 40 years.

The aftermarket roller-furling jib does not have battens and does not overlap the mast.

When sailing solo, I find the easiest way to bring the jib across in a tack is to let it backwind (fill from the wrong side) much longer than I would when sailing doublehanded. Once pointed in the direction of the new tack, I release the weather jib sheet, give it a lot of slack, allow it to blow across and sheet in on the new tack. You need to have sheets that run freely through the system. Smaller diameter (7 mm), very flexible line (a "soft hand") and well running hardware are key.

Thanks again for the info! Richard, I noticed in other posts you have made that you have sailed in az. Im in Phoenix. It appears that lake pleasant has the highest and most consistent winds. What are your thoughts or experiences?

One thing nice about letting your jib backwind a little longer when solo sailing is that the boat is sort of in a lull at this time and it gives you some time to rearrange things on your tramp (lines, travelers, drinks, etc.) before you take off.

In a good wind, once you let your jib blow across and start sheeting it in, be prepared to take off like a rocket.

_________________
Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

culpyy - I've sailed in Lake Havasu, but never in Lake Pleasant. Havasu was fun. Good wind, hot, and we got to sail under the London Bridge. I went with a small group from our Fleet, which made it more fun. It's a long drive for us in S. CA. If I'm going to take a long trip with our H16 I'd rather go to Huntington Lake, Clear Lake, or Whiskeytown Lake in central and northern CA.
I've never beeen to Puerto Penasco, but if you're from Phoenix you might try it. I believe there's a regatta there. Even if you don't race you could bring your boat there and get some great advice from experienced Hobie sailors.
If you can find a Hobie Fleet near you, that would be the Best! Make new friends, get advice, travel and sail with others. You'll enjoy your boat more.
Richard

Thanks for the advice Richard, enjoy your time on the water!