Friday after work, I set about changing over the T@ to a H16 mast and mainsail. I don't know if anyone has measured their mast but the Hobie spec that came with my boat as well their website, says it's 24' 7.3" So imagine my surprise to find the mast is 26' 6" long?
Say what? That's identical to the H16 mast I have? I got both masts together and matched them up, the only difference is the height of the feed channel for the bolt rope, it's about 6" higher on the T@ mast. That means the only thing required was to....
HOIST THE SAIL Now, my judgement is based on just one day so far but I want others involved, this is the boat, I think, we all wanted.
We had a weak winds this weekend with only 7mph yesterday and none today but I really feel great about this upgrade. Now keep in mind, the sail I'm using has a bad bolt rope so I couldn't get the downhaul more than 4" but in what we were sailing in, the T16 kept pace with the H16's with no problems, side by side, windward, leeward, front or rear and I'm only using the factory jib. In fact, because the T@ can tack on a starfish and give 4 points back, the T16 was faster than the H16's at getting around and moving.
So this is it! I haven't felt this good about a boat in a long time. Measure you mast and if it's 26'+, borrow a friends 16 mainsail for an hour and you will see for yourself. It should also be able to be fitted with either the normal H16 jib or the furling one.
Because the mainsheet now angles backwards to the H16 boom (Better control of mast rotation), the lower block on the mainsheet interferes with the tiller crossbar stick connector. I spun the bar around so it also pointed backwards but it needs a better solution.
I really hope others will try this but it may wipe out the H16 market if Hobie ever brought it out. I figure the originals sails will be saved for heavy wind days when it needs powered down and getting a new set for it. I really hate to give Hobie more money for a new sail that should have at least been an upgrade option, again in my opinion.... I just had to change the rear graphic today after washing her down.