I have a early 80's hobie 18. I just purchased a set of Smyth pentex sails. Square top main. I do not have a comp tip. I was wondering if I should try putting pre-bend in my mast. What pondage I should apply? Anyone have any info. on this?

Just trying to teach a old boat A new trick.

Doug Ramsey
hobie 18
#4383

Hi Doug, I had a Hobie 18 for about twenty years and I have raced with Smythe sails on an F-28R. Smythe sails are normally cut relatively flat so I think that prebend would be a poor set-up decision unless it is always very windy where you sail. A better decision is to have at least an 8 to 1 downhaul to bend the mast when you want and to keep it straight when you want full power. Since you have specialty sails from Smythe (not class legal) you should get rig and trim advice for using those sail from Smythe also.

Have fun!

Mike

Thanks!! for the input.

As Mike said, definitely check with Smythe. One way to go on the 18 is to rig the diamonds just tight enough to keep the mast from bending side-to-side, but not tight enough to cause pre-bend. Then use the downhaul to apply bend and depower as needed. This technique is in Catamaran Sailing for the 90's (one of Rick's books).