Here is what I know - The Trapseat Spinnaker is 400 sq. ft. and is symmetrical (I have one) and lifts the bows. Hobie Europe makes a spinnaker that is asymmetrical and I do not know the sail area of their spinnaker, and tends to pull the bows down at certain angles. Also Hobie US makes a spinnaker for the H16 which is actually just a little bigger than the H16 jib – I think it is more of a toy than a real spinnaker, it doesn’t really add any performance benefit.
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<br>I talked with various European H16 sailors that indicated to me that it is better to put a flat top mainsail on your H16 than to get a Hobie Europe spinnaker. The Hobie USA toy spinnaker is a waste of money! Now the Trapseat spinnaker is a totally different situation (must realize I am biased, as I am involved in the Trapseat class). The Trapseat spinnaker tends to lift the bows and does not diminish the H16 performance, actually it increase the performance of the H16 by a considerable amount. As I have mentioned before you will be able to beat H20’s with this Trapseat Spinnaker. The Trapseat spinnaker is used successfully in our annual International Trapseat Cup and Mike Strahles as mentioned kicks but with it. The Trapseat spinnaker is also not manufactured by Hobie Co.
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<br>Also I have not seen anyone use a snuffer system on the H16.<br><br>