Main Sheet Question

2 weeks ago my new Wave was delivered and ever since I've been sailing it, working out the kinks and getting to know the boat. I've had other cats in the past so I'm not learning from the ground up.

One question I have is regarding the main sheet (Stock Blocks). I have the line running thru the blocks, where none of them cross and it looks good. However, when sailing, the block attached to the clew of the sail always twists so its about 180 degrees out from the block attached the the cross member, which causes the lines to rub against each other. I've turned the block on the swivel, and changed the S hook to the other side of the sail and the same thing happens.

My past cats had the pulleys side by side and not in-line like these ae, so I'm not sure if this is just how they operate.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Charlie

Sheet is twisted through the blocks. Take the blocks off the sail, sheet all the way in until the pulleys are almost touching and you will see the twist. Fiddle with it and you will get it straight after a few minutes of tinkering. Try not to sail with it twisted like that - it can fail to release at a critical moment.

Some types of lines are more prone to twisting like this.

3 strand is the worst and has no place on a Hobie Cat. Double braid (braided cover / core) is much better, but depending on what it's made of and/or how it's made, it can be OK (New England Ropes Salsa) or so-so (Sampson Trophy Braid). Unfortunately, the better lines tend to be more expensive.

A good, relatively inexpensive line that doesn't twist is New England Ropes Bzzz line. You can get it at APS, Layline or any number of on-line retailers.

Thanks for the tips. This is the stock line that comes from Hobie and has only 2 weeks of use on it. I'm at work at the moment and will attempt to un-twist the line tonight or tomorrow.

The main concern I had for the line twisting was just as scuzzlebutt stated, not being to feed the line out quick enough at a critical moment.

Charlie

Salsa is good. Link: Salsa, 5/16" usually, or 1/4"

Often mentioned is the no cost option of washing the line in the washing machine with fabric softener.

How many feet of line is needed to replace the orginal mainsheet?

MP

MP
Never replaced my original main sheet. To remove the twist I attached the top block to a hanger in my garage, then while holding and keeping tension on the lower block. I pulled the sheet in till the blocks touched, then let it all the way out. Kept doing this a few times and the line straightened itself out, haven't had it twist since.

I would have replaced the line if that didn't work. I usually take the least expensive way first.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie.

Michael