Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone knows of what is involved in converting an H17 to an H17 sport? Price, Labour, Performance???

Thanks.

pitch_poled

The kit parts are listed in the Hobie Parts Catalog.

The hardware is (2003 Catalog)... $748.75 #52995610 (page 24) That includes the bow spreader, jib sheet cleats, lines and wires.

The jib is $364.00 (White) - $483.50 (Color)

There is some drilling, riveting involved in attaching the jib sheet swivel cleats. The rest of the stuff is shackled on, so there is not allot of labor.

Performance? The jib will add reaching and downwind performance. Can make tacking easier. Upwind performance can be degraded using a jib. A unirig (main only) usually points higher.

If you sail with a second person then its imperitive you get the sport kit.

I've got a bastardized version of the sport kit and it makes tacking with two people so much easier.

Reaching it does help as well, as I found out yesterday.

We added one 4 years ago to our H17 at the time. It was a waste of money. It helps some in light wind and tacking otherwise it is a waste. For $1200+ it really doesn't add a whole lot. You could buy an old H16 for the price of the kit.

I have always sailed with the Sport Conversion Rig. I got mine through Murrays. It is a lot of money, but if you are sailing with anyone it certainly will add power when reaching or sailing downwind. Do a search on this forum for 18 Super Jib. If you decide to do it, be sure to use stainless bolts and washers with nylock nuts, instead of rivets to attach the traveller tracks. Feel free to contact me with any further questions. I've done this on two boats! Brian

Hey all,

Thanks for all of the information.