I need to replace my Hobie 20 forestay and would like suggestions on the proper length. Over the past several years, Hobie 20 sailors have progressively raked their masts back and the desired rake is not possible with the stock forestay.

Hello!

Same question I had recently. Many people just add a seven hole adjuster to the forestay at the top by the mast tang, and achieve the desired rake that way. Another guy in our fleet had a custom forestay made with an adjustable turnbuckle down by the bridle connection. His finished forestay length is 23'2.5" . That is with the turnbuckle set to the middle of its range.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Tim J.

Joe, When i first got mu H-20 it was a handful for me to handle. I purposely raked the mast to bottom hole on the sidestays. This gave me much better control of the boat, but H-18's were passing me. If you don't mind sacrifacing speed for control of the boat, raking the mast is way to go.

If you rake back far enough, might not be able to sheet in tight unless you take the wire pigtail off the boom bail. IMO, aft rake is slow in light air, but helps a LOT in heavy air.

Chris