I thought about rigging a self tacking jib, but I thought it was a little expensive and really not worth it. First, you can just measure the front beam and the arc of the clew of the sail to figure out what the radius of the traveler would be as well as the offset from the beam. I think Harken can just make one from your measurements.

The next issue is that the jib would need to be cut down a lot. It overlaps the mast so you would take out a considerable amount. The jib is already small and in some oppinions inneffective, so you could be making a 'bad' design worse.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Turbo and my 14s are rigged with jibs, but I don't plan on sailing with the Hooter and jib. I have rigged them with all 3 sails and you wouldn't believe the mess on the tramp! I just thought it was a lot of work for something that wouldn't pay off as much. Perhaps if I had a self-tacker, it would change everything. I'm all about doing new things to the 14, but this issue is all about money.

On the square top, you should contact Sabre sails about it. They made Bob's and my Square top and I am extremely happy with mine. I'm sure they would work with you on what you want in a sail and what you want to pay. They are very interested in the F14 Hobie thing and are just great people to deal with.



Dan Berger
Norfolk, VA
A Cat USA139
Supercat 15