I believe this is the very first time I have started a thread here. I'm fairly new to Catsailor although I've been sailing for close to 22 years (cats being Trac-16, Hobie-16/18 and Prindle 18-2). I've never been a big racer and have sailed for mainly pleasure (as you can tell by the lack of Inters, Tigers, Formulas, etc. in the list above). So all you hard core racers... go easy on me. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> In fact, in recent years have been on 'hiatus' from sailing all together due to babies and faily/work issues. But I can't restrain the bug any longer and I'm stoked for the '07 season!

Anyway, back to my question: I picked up Rick's DVD and while just about everything is a refresher, the use of the downhaul to de-power in heavy wind conditions is somewhat new to me. Never been used on the older boats. I currently sail an Prindle 18-2 #590. It's stock downhaul doesn't lend itself at all to adjustments under sail. Even with a longer line, it seems to have been designed to be set on the beach and left in place while under sail.

If I spend any money at all this year on the boat, is an 8:1 or 16:1 power downhaul kit an absolute necessity for me to upgrade from stock? $200-$250 is a bit of a stretch for me (like I said, go easy on me you hard core racers!) Do you find yourself making frequent adjustments on the downhaul from the wire? I've been sailing my boat stock for the (on/off) 8 years that I've owned it. Is this a definite upgrade consideration for this year? I've never been happy with the stock downhaul to begin with. It's difficult even on the beach and don't think a crewman would have fun adjusting it while under sail.