Hobie 18 with comp tip, where do i put the spin halyard block on the mast, how high up and is it o.k. to put it on the comp tip section? thanks
It is OK to put in on the comptip. Follow the Hobie installation advice - which gives a postion about 1/3 the way up the comp tip. Higher than that and you are really overstressing it without the addition of mast heads shrouds to stabilise the comptip.
Don't cut your pole as short as Hobie suggests - this results in a very narrow slot between the spinnaker and jib. Go about 11' long. You will have to mount the spin blocks somewhere between the rear cross beam and the side shrouds to get the correct sheeting angle (assuming you have the Hobie factory kite). Make up some stainless slugs to fit under the lip and through bolt into them to distribute the load. Not class legal - but who cares unless you'll be in a fleet of class legal H18s with spinnakers.
Good luck with your project!
I looked at the parts diagram on Hobiecat.com, it's not obvious. I was hoping to see an 18SX-specific mast or comptip, but no dice.
Per the class rules (hobieclass.com), Hobie 18SX Rule 14 b): "The [spinnaker] sail cannot be attached to the mast above 23 ft. 11-1/2 in. (7.30 meters) measured from the bottom of the mast extrusion."
I believe that the only difference between an 18 mast and an 18SX mast is the comptip (the 18SX is longer). Matt Miller or the guys at Surf City might chime in here, but I'm very certain that there was an upgrade kit at one time to upgrade a standard 18 to an 18SX, and it included the wings, sails, rigging, and longer comptip.
If this is true, measure your current 18 mast, find the place where 23 ft. 11-1/2 in from the bottom puts you, and maybe go a little lower. I'm fairly sure they are rigged from the comptip.
Hope this helps.
Mike
shows different part numbers for the mast extrusions (the 18SX is 18" longer but the same section as the stock 18 mast). The comp tip is the same part number for both boats. I've owned both boats and can confirm they use the same comptip. To upgrade an 18 to an 18SX takes a new mast section, rigging, sails.
Chris.
