Outback Sailing Mods

Several people have posted info on their modifications/additions to improve the sailing and handling characteristics of their Outbacks. Installing a block out back is common. In order to improve control and responsiveness to changes in wind (and help avoid unplanned dismounts while underway) I also installed a Harken quick release up forward. (I know this thing has a proper name but I can't recall what that is at the moment) Coincidently it also serves as a handy cigarillo holder when fishing!

Looks good, but I'm not sure how you rig the sail line through the forward cam-cleat. Do you come in from behind or route around from the front?

I'd really like to see a Hobie Outback rigged up, with the line routed in sailing position.

Tom... The main sheet runs off the sail, through the stern block and then through the cam lock from the rear. The benefit of the cam lock is that it frees the right hand from constantly having to hold the line but allows a quick release with a smooth forward pull and lift motion. Remember to tie an overhand or figure eight knot in the end of the line so that it can't run completely free if released.

Okay, I've got it now, thanks.

I never intended to be a "sailor" but after buying the OutBack I ended up buying the sail kit (just in case) and now guess I just need to go out and get wet.

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That looks like a Harken Carbon Cam Cleat micro. The little dealy on top is a fairlead...keeps the line near the cam. Just ordered them myself. After two hours of sailing in 15 knot winds I can barely move my right hand.

Nice set up. Thanks for the tips.

Burt

Great additions.

Only comment would be on the swivel block at the back. I would use a non-swivel block. I sailed in some rough and windy conditions and found the swivel blocks to swivel a bit too much! The sheet got twisted as the sail luffed in tacks. It ended up binding on itself. I could not sheet or un-sheet. A bit of a problem! The alignment of the sheets does not change and the standard block is a little cheaper.

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

That's a great point. It happened to me also with the swivel block. When the mainsheet gets twisted up back there, there isn't much you can do about it. Next opportunity I'll switch.

How do get the main sheet line to run smoothly between the pulley and the jam cleat with a cooler or othe items strapped on the aft deck? I have a tandem outfitter. All of the pictures show nothing stored on the aft deck. I am considering running a semi-rigid short length of 3/8" black PVC pipe (Toro drip irrigation pipe) as a conduit on the starboard side. This will prevent the line from getting caught under the cooler.

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Bob