Hobie Oasis Sail kit + boom + furler

Firstly hello all. I recently got a Hobie Oasis and we've been having a great time exploring all the local water. However this post is mainly about the Hobie Furling Kit. I did a lot of research trying to decide if I should by the Hobie kit or make my own. I eventually opted for the original and just thought I'd share my installation.

Basically I have just created two small loops out of some rope outer (I pulled the inner out). One loop is permanently attached to the kayak and the other both secures the fairlead to the furler rope and is also used to mount the fairlead to the kayak when I want to install the furler. The advantage here is there are no permanent modifications made to the kayak, no holes drilled, etc.. Hanging the loops off the paddle bungee eye posts does not interfere with hooking the bungee on in any significant way.





I plan on installing a couple of Ronstan 5mm sheaveless blocks to route the mainsheet around the rear well and use another small loop to attach a Ronstan RF341 to cleat the mainsheet on the other side. I will update when done.

Also after sailing for a bit I feel a boom is a must have and will share that when I get around to making it.

The sheaveless blocks and cleat secured with 1.5mm Dyneema shackles I made.

The boom is done. Well mostly. I would like to tidy a few things up but here she is. The complete boom installation takes less than a minute and the original setup is untouched. You don't have to re-tie any knots or anything. Simply clip the gooseneck to the mast, hook the bungee over it to keep it at the foot of the mainsail, thread the boom through the loop in the mainsheet where it attached to the mainsail, thread the outhaul, and then clip the boom furler in at the foot of the mast.

Simply either seat/unseat at the mast and the boom will furl with the sail.




Video

Boom now black. I have since learnt I should have used an etching primer.

Nice job and good amount of details and pics. How did it perform on the water?

I estimate up to 30% more speed (from the sail. not overall) depending on the angle to the wind. On average I'd guess probably 15% - 20% sail gains.
Can manhandle the boom which can be useful. Think jibe.
Adds an outhaul.
Reduces sail noise when the sail gets bad air.

That’s great improvements! I appreciate the clean setup.

Thanks.

A lot of thought went into it. I wanted it to be as minimal as I could imagine.
Not only is simplicity easy to maintain and less prone to breakage (although not really an issue with this little sail) but I didn't want any lose, metal, or both, bits flying around my face in ungainly gusts.
The outhaul is more than just show. I really do think it makes a difference when used correctly. But even if it doesn't I like to feel like I'm tuning something
And of course the primary consideration was that it had to compliment the furler. This was the only design I could think of that practically achieved that without complicated design.
As a plus it can all be made with just a hacksaw, screwdriver, drill, and a file. All parts are separate and can be replaced individually because there is no welding or gluing.

Great job with the boom! Being a sailor turned Hobie kayaker I had to get the sail kit (and fuller) for my Outback and Revo. I have had fun with my initial sailing outings but felt this could use a boom. Are all the parts custom made by you? Can you provide parts list?

What’s next, a Jib or Genoa? I know the AI can sport a Spinnaker but the other seems more reasonable and they have them for kayaksailor rigs.

Also wonder about leeboards or centerboard other than mirage drive fins in neutral position.

Keep up the creativity and amazing craftsmanship!

Boom: 16 x 1 mm Aluminum tube - Qty 1410 mm
Outhaul plate: 3mm Aluminium plate - Qty 55 x 32 mm
Outhaul clamps: Ronstan PNP20 - Qty 2
Bungee clamp: Velcro AC116A 6MM - Qty 1
Shock cord: 6mm Black - Qty 1600 mm
Bolts: 3 x 12 mm SS Pan head - Qty 2 - Cut down flush with nut once tightened so approx 7 mm
Nuts: 3 mm SS - Don't use nylock or dome because they too high
Screws: 3 x 12 mm SS self tapping - Qty 2
Moldings: Polymorph Pellets - Qty ? maybe 50 grams

Molding list:
Gooseneck - recently lost so no pic.
Outhaul infill
Deck protector
Bungee saddle - 215 mm from end of boom. Bungee should be fully relaxed when clip rests against saddle

All moldings were fashioned by hand using the polymorph pellets however I have recently acquired a little 3d printer so soon will have printed parts. I will link the 3d models when done.
The polymorp parts in the boom are held in by the sides of the screw head. I drill a hole as large as the screw head so that the screw is flush with the boom.

A centerboard or similar would definitely be good.

When it comes to the sail the truth is when beating into the wind it's probably just as fast to pedal because you lose so much ground due to heading and leeway. Most other times it's best benefits are a sun shade & distraction But in the right conditions it can actually sail at a reasonable pace without assistance.

The Mirage daggerboard would be the one to use IMO. Just need to make a fitting for it. In fact the only reason I haven't already proceeded with this mod yet is because I don't yet think that dealing with the mirage drive storage when the daggerboard is in is worth the benefit/effort. Personally I don't want to strap anything to the side of my kayak because I don't want any obstructions on the sides.

First draft

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Y_3k6 ... sp=sharing

FYI I can print this top side down without needing any supports

Here's the stl files for my new boom parts. Now with internal routing for the bungee.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OQrl7 ... 3KrJE_zNps

This is great! Thanks for sharing the idea, the pics, and the specs. Have you determined yet whether would sell (not sail) a kit?