I have an 88 H16 and just installed new shrouds that are about 2" shorter than the originals. I understand this is a design change that allows for more mast rake. Since I kept the original forestay and jib halyard setup, I realize I need some sort of extension to get enough rake. I know you can add adjuster plates to the bridge or a pigtail to the forestay, but can you add an extension to the mast connection on top? Would this also help the jib/mast interference problem common on H16's?

Thanks for any help,
Matt

That will work but it isn't going to reduce your mast jib overlap.

Oh, I just realized that I HAVE a pigtail up there. So now the question is, does Hobie have a standard part that replaces the old shorter one with an updated longer one?

The pigtail length hasn't changed since the boat was introduced.

Making it longer would put the halyard further away from the mast, making it more likely that the jib battens would catch in the halyard.

What's the problem with just adding another adjuster bewteen the bottom of the forestay and the existing adjuster?

Matt,
I had a furling jib made for my 1980 h16 and also bought new shrouds and had the same problem, I couldn't get the forestay to connect to the furler at the brildle. since I had a furling jib I got rid of the jib halyard. But anyway, I added another 10 hole adjuster to the pigtail with a shackle, ( which I safety wired and taped), then connected to the forestay with a clevis pin, (taped also). After raising the mast a few times and adjusting the clevis pin on the top adjuster, I was able to connect to the bridle and adjust there as well. This also gave me the ability to get more mast rake. The only downside I had is that I was only able to get the shrouds into the top holes of the stay adjuster on the amas.
Or, you may have your local sailing shop make you a new pigtail. Measure the distance you need from the forestay to the bridle wires(have someone hold the mast up for you) add the length of the old pig tail,( which I believe is 3 inches, measure yours it may not be the same!), adjust for difference in the thimble on the swag-MAKE SURE EACH END OF YOUR NEW PIGTAIL IS DOUBLE SWAGGED FOR SAFETY. Remove the old pigtail and adjust!
I hope one of these ideas work for you- I already had another 10 hole adjuster, shackle and pins so that is why I did not have another pigtail made- extra parts always come in handy!
I don't think the jib will hang up, especially if you have batten hinges on your jib, if not you might try wrapping the upper 10 hole adjuster with chafing tape.
Well good luck and happy sailing!
John