Thanks Matt. That makes sense. However, even though all my standing rigging is Hobie-made (double swage and vinyl covered), it is way too long. It measures out as 14 and one half inch, about one and three quarters inches longer than it should be. Add the extra shackles at the bow and my rig is so floppy the mast would jump out in a capsize.

In a bind for time, I cut a thimble off of each side stay and put on a new one with a single swage, removing as little legnth as possible. Now they are 13' 8" which is 3 inches too short (officially). I should have PLENTY of rake but maybe now it will be tight enough hold the mast upright.

I'll order a complete new set of rigging after Christmas but I HAD to have it ready to rig for Christmas morning. I'm going to rig it and launch it in my pool with a big bow as a present for my son (and me), assuming I can get it rolled into the back yard at 3am on Christmas morning and step the mast without waking him.