Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:36 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:03 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 7:28 pm
Posts: 265
Location: BC, Canada
I wonder if anyone found a DEFINITE NEED for the aluminum luff track update.
Would it be required for any specific sail type, such as square-top, or doing over 20 knots, etc.?

Thanks

_________________
H17
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:24 am 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2003 7:11 pm
Posts: 5197
Location: Detroit, MI
The newer Hobie brand sails with the Teflon bolt rope (from about 2000 onward) need the luff track update. The same mechanism that makes them easy to raise, allows the top of the sail to pull out of the track.

The bottom line: use the sail, and if it pulls out at the top, you need the update.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:32 pm 
Offline
Site Admin

Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15026
Location: Oceanside, California
Also... contributing factor is the "Aussie" halyard ring with the shackle welded to the ring. No universal play at the shackle to ring connection, so when the mast rotates opposite of the sail... pulls the luff out of the track. Use the standard ring and un-welded shackle.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:38 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 7:28 pm
Posts: 265
Location: BC, Canada
Quote:
Use the standard ring and un-welded shackle.


Is this going to make hooking/unhooking the main sail more difficult?
Previous owner had a piece of rope between welded twisted shackle and the main head board. Perhaps his way of dealing with the problem...

_________________
H17
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:32 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4176
Location: Jersey Shore
jackB wrote:
Is this going to make hooking/unhooking the main sail more difficult?


The best ring/shackle system IMO is the current stock one, which is the one with the small loop welded to the top of the ring for the halyard tie-off and the twist shackle not welded to the ring. If you hoist/lower with the bows pointed directly into the wind, then the system works flawlessly.

sm


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:00 am 
Offline
Site Admin

Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15026
Location: Oceanside, California
There is a trick or two...

FAQ Forum Topic: Sails - Hoisting Main Sails (Plus: Locking Halyards)

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

Quote:
Locking the Hobie 17/18/20/21 Halyard:

It is best to simulate the halyard locking with the mast down so you clearly understand the system.

Then, depending on how old the boat is, be sure the hook does not have the old "flopper" stainless piece hanging on the hook. This old device caused difficulty in raising and hooking but would make it easier to release and lower.

Also, be sure that the knot tied to the ring is very low profile. A long bowline knot will hit the mast head before the ring gets to the hook.

If the ring has a small loop at the top... The line should be passed through the loop and a small knot tied. The knot (when ring and shackle are affixed to the sail) should be facing the mast. This tilts the ring closer to the mast.

Image

Then (before attaching halyard shackle to the sail) spin the halyard 3 or 4 times clockwise (looking down on the shackle). This "pre-loads" the halyard line and causes the ring to swing back towards the hook. Keep the boat into the wind and hoist. Should lock easily.

To release... fully release the downhaul and outhaul. Partially feed the sail up the luff track. Hoist with the halyard to the top till it stops, hold... rotate the aft of the mast base to starboard, hold the mast rotated, ease the halyard a few feet before releasing the mast. Lower the sail.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Luff Track Update
PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:14 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 7:28 pm
Posts: 265
Location: BC, Canada
Thanks Matt, srm, and MBonds. This surely saved me the trouble of installing the luff track, at least for now. It is interesting, the knot position on the ring is counter intuitive. I am sure I've go it wrong every time.
:)

_________________
H17
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group