Mainsail ripples

I have several large ripples in my mainsail that originate at the downhaul and fan upwards at a 35-45 degree angle. Many other Hobie 16s I see on the beach have the same ripples. Is this just characteristic of older Hobies or is everyone doing something wrong? Is there any way to flatten out my sail or is it just blown out?

Both of mine have this also I think the stock downhaul does not work very good so it's hard to pull those ripples out.

_________________
Floyd
00 Tiger
http://www.HobieFleet33.com
10 Mile Surfside, Texas
Join us on our Facebook group: Surfside Sailing

Seems like just the opposite. The more downhaul...the more ripples. My sailing buddy has 6:1 downhaul and gets the same distortion in his mainsail. I think it has more to do with the sail being fixed to the entire length of the boom. I just don't know how to remedy.

Not evident in this photo of a properly trimmed and (wind) loaded sail



Downhaul and outhaul are the only adjustments, but we have refined the sail cut over the years. The tack grommet location and the way the sail luff ropes end near it have changed. Earlier sails might have distortion in the panel from the tack attachment point pulling the corner down too much.

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

That's what I was afraid of...the only solution is to buy a new boat. Generally speaking though should I be setting the downhaul or outhaul first or does it really matter?

Don't think it matters which you do first.

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