You are correct, in that one end of the steel cable is attached with a small shackle to the head of the jib. The other end is attached to the jib tension line, which should be 1/8th by 5 1/2' long. The tension line, in turn, is attached to the jib halyard, which is supposed to be 1/8th x 20' long. (or 2 or 3 mm.) See page 60 of the current catalogue. The cable and tension line and the halyard get tucked inside the zipper pocket as you raise the jib.
Tension the jib halyard more or less once it is raised, then detach the halyard from the tension line, and save the halyard for when you want to lower the jib. You will now use the tension line to secure the jib. You are probably confused by all the line and what to do with it. Does this explain the two part halyard process?
Time to put tension on the rig. SRM will advise you to haul down on a hiking handle, from behind (to the stern side of the mast). My advice is to be careful of the wind, (the H18 will easily blow over if you are not careful) and raise and attach the main to the boom, then sheet the main in as tight as you can. Both of those steps are designed to 'set' the rig.... and with that setting you will now be able to set the correct tension for the jib. At this point, you can cleat off the bottom of the jib tension halyard, through the plastic cleat, then tie it off to the lower shackle, doubled or tripled if necessary.
Then release the tension on the rig. After that, you can set the furler by rolling up the jib.... At the start of each sailing season, we dry test all furling/unfurling, spin set/retrieve etc on land.
Did you check the rake of the mast? Go to the base of the mast, and make a mark on the mast 48" up. From that point, measure to the shackle hole on the bow tang... should be between 103" to 107".
Lube your rudder cams and plungers, and you should be good to go. Post pictures... we'd love to see your 'baby'.
_________________ 2015 H16, with spin, SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..." 'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'
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