problems with main halyard unclipping

Hi - well, we took the H18 out for the first time yesterday so it was a bit of an adventure rigging and launching for the first time. but... wow! what a difference over the little Hobie Waves we were used to! One major issue we ran into was that the main kept coming unclipped at the top when underway. I have an aussie ring but the previous owner lost the pin so there's a shackle on the ring to clip to the main. We could get it clipped in (although with difficulty) and I could crank down on the downhaul to tighten the sail so I know it was actually clipped in. However, after a bit of sailing (and it wasn't windy at all yesterday), it would unclip and the sail would fall...which is a real pain out on the water. we ended up tying the halyard off to get back to shore and after 2 or 3 times, packed up. Have to remember gloves next time as my hands were raw from pulling the main back up each time.

Anyone else run into this? my friend says that if you've got it downhauled 4:1 it shouldn't pop out. The only thing I can think of is the goofy extra shackle is someone popping the little catch up with mast rotation or the sail filling? I'm going to order a new aussie ring but wanted to check on the board to see if there were any other suggestions too.

Thanks!

A few things from online and some more thinking. I'm guessing that having the extra shackle could encourage the ring to want to turn 90 degrees to the mast. I've also seen suggestions on removing the flapper cover but I would think that would make dropping the main harder. Also these:

- with the ring it's important to pre-twist the halyard in the opposite direction of the hook several times before attaching it to the main. That will make the ring want to turn onto the hook rather than away.
- make sure the knot is on the mast side of the ring to tilt the top of the ring toward the hook.

Any feedback?

My preference is for the stock Hobie halyard ring. This is the one that has the main ring with a small hoop welded to the top specifically for tieing off the halyard. The twist shackle for the main sail is loose, not welded to the ring. It sounds like your shackle arrangement may be contributing to your problems. I also recommend removing the flapper. All of the comptip masts with the exception of the very first ones were supplied without a flapper. The most essential thing when engaging/disengaging the ring from the hook is to have the boat directly into the wind. Pull the sail up all the way until it stops. Then have the crew rotate the mast hard. One way locks the hook onto the ring, the other way pulls the hook away from the ring. Hold the mast rotated over until either the ring is securely locked on the hook (raising the sail) or the ring has dropped below the hook (lowering the sail). Then straighten the mast.

Once the sail is hooked, you definitely want to pull on some downhaul to keep the hook engaged. You can also double check by pulling on some mainsheet tension.

It may be a good idea to bring a pair of binoculers with you so you can look up at the top of the mast from ground level. The other option if you have trouble is to flip the boat on its side and inspect how the hook is engaged.

A simple trick to save your hands when pullimg up the halyard is to take a pair of pliers (every sailor should have a pair of these) and wrap the halyard around them a few times so you can use them as a handle. This makes raising the mainsail much easier.

sm

If you're using a straight shackle to the aussie ring... it's twisting the ring and trying to get it to disengage. That coupled with flexing the mast as you tensions and detention the mainsheet sound like enough to mess with you.

I love my aussie rings and have them setup on 2 H18s and a miracle 20. You need to be sure that the knot is facing toward the mast, so that the halyard pulling up, pulls the ring towards the mast. Otherwise they work great.

One of my rings came from a previous owner that probably lost the pin too. It has a clevis pin and a ring and the welded shackle was drilled out slightly. That has started to bend a bit, but generally works well.

Once you have it setup right, the only way the ring pops off is if your hook is damaged or you're trying to get it off. Getting it on is the tricky part...

Tom

_________________
Tom
Fleet 259, Central Coast CA
H18 ('81)
H18 ('85)
H20 ('97)
H18 ('78)

Read the hoist FAQ... has some good info:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=371


For sure remove the flapper.

Likely a sail that drops unexpectedly is due to the halyard knot catching on the hook and not the ring.

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

Thanks for all the advice folks. I went out a few days ago with a drill and murderous intent and the flopper is no more. The new Aussie ring should arrive tonight so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for only showers this weekend!