Geronimo,
<br>There are many options out there as far as spinnakers go.
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<br>first, it would be relatively easy to add a snuffer to a Hobie 16. The snuffer head, pole and bag would cost you around 900$.
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<br>As far as spinnakers go, I have a very different opinion from Miles. I would absolutely chose an asymetrical chute. An asym would be more versatile ie greater range of angles you could sail. An asymetrical chute also adds lift to the bows. The spinnaker for the hobie 16 is likely to be more full then the chute for a faster boat, but not a symetrical chute. The trapseat spinnaker is touted as being 400 ft^2. This would be huge. I think what he is talking about is 400 ft^2 total sail area total (main and jib=218) so spinaker would be around 180 ft^2. This would be large, but reasonable.
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<br>If you are going to get a spinnaker, it will be used for open class racing or distance racing on a H 16. Since there is no established spinnaker class for the boat, go with one of the top sailmakers for multihull sails. My choices in decending order would be
<br>Smyth Team
<br>North Sails Australia
<br>Sabre Sails
<br>Ulman Sails Jay Glaser
<br>Calvert Sails
<br>Elliot Pattison
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<br>I have not sailed a Hobie 16 with a chute, but have sailed a hobie wave with the spinnaker which is a small asym sail. It works well adds to the downwind performance considerably
<br>Eric Anderson<br><br>