I agree with Matt on this one. A bit overkill to it otherwise on the H16.

Wouter

You don't want to over-complicated an otherwise simple boat. You may have heard of the KISS axiom: Keep It Simple Stupid.

When you add complicated parts to a mechanism you are asking for it to fail at an inopportune time. Unless you really need the "upgraded" feature it is not worth the cost or risk of failure.

I understand the need to have neat gadgets. I am a techie myself.

Like I said, I only needed to think on this for a very short time. I live by KISS (most of the time). This time I will keep it simple also.

Thanks for all of your input.
Sam

Have to get new blocks and sheet as mine got lost/stolen???
Lent some Nacra F18 blocks which I had to modify (too high...)
Have seen so many reactions already that I'm rather confused. Sailing quite often alone and with less mast rake (like a neutral steering behaviour as I only got 2 hands...) also with rather much wind the 6:1 is on the edge. Although I like to think I'm having quite a physical condition I have my limits when sailing for a couple of hours..

Read your (Rick White) comment stating you like the 8:1 option with a lite mainsheet. See quote below:



Might enable to sail longer and with les/no use of the clamps? Checked some sites but cannot find the 8:1 blocks you are refering to. I assume both blocks have 4 sheaves on a row (low profile required) and the lower with cleat as well.

Do you use the 1/4" mainsheet for the full length or id you keep the last 3 m' (12') the original thickness? And what length do you use?

Can somebody (Rick ??) give me some help?

Thanks in advance / greeting from Europe

Eddie #99173 [1992]

Here is the URL listing all the sheeting systems.
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=331
and be sure to check both pages.

You can find this by clicking on Blocks in the left index, then Sheeting Systems.
Good luck,
Rick

Hey everybody, I have a Hobie 14 Turbo that still has the old 4 to 1 Seaway blocks, and when it's really blowing I have a hard time getting block to block (must be getting old). So, I'm thinking about a new sheeting system, my question is what should I go with, find a sixteen owner who is upgrading their 5 to 1 system and buy their old Seaways (cheapest), buy a new 5 to 1 low profile Harken setup, or buy a new 6 to 1 low profile Harken setup (most expensive)? Maybe try what Rick was talking about and go with 1/4" or maybe 5/16" on a 6 to 1 setup would be the best or would 6 to 1 be overkill on a 14? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for any advice.

I used the advice from all and purchased the 194/153 6:1 combo for my H16. I really like the adjustability of the cleating angle because when the kids want to sail I can quickly move the angle up to make it easier for them to pop the cleat. 6:1 is all you need with a properly working ratchet system. I had to go down a sheet size so that it would run through the blocks quickly in a blow. I am now using 44 feet of 3/8" and it's excellent.

Mac

After this last weekend, I have to strongly dissagree with the PITA, It took me all of 4 minutes to adjust the angle the first time and maybe 3 minutes the second time on the 2630. I did have to do it twice because the first time everybody suggested go 3 notches, when 2 was really enough.

Yes they are more expensive then the non-carbo, but the ratchmatic is real nice.

and with a becket on both top and bottom, I could rig it 6,7 or 8(w/added pully):1

Right now it is 7:1 and again, 46 or 48 feet of 9mm red Maffioli Swiftcord

Very very happy.

Sam

As my complete mainsheet go lost / stolen last year I’m still using the set of a fellow catsailer.
Although a great lead indeed I’m getting a little confused now. I’ll try to explain:

My 1992 H16 is more or less standard (I think..). Mats rake I adjust reluctantly. In 5-th position (from below) the steering is neutral which I think is a major advantage – especially when sailing alone. In 4-th or even 3-rd hole she will immediately turn into the wind when releasing the joystick. Added bushes (Hobie Tiger) and new rods in the rudders so play is close to zero now. Rudder blades are in max forward position.
But even in 5-th hole I manage to sail “block to block” quite easily – with a 6:1 configuration. How should I be able to use a 8:1 set (Ricks’ recommendation) as I don’t have enough height available. Is my main sail worn out? I doesn’t look that way. I connect both blocks – to traverse ar and beam – with shackles only, to keep profile as low as possible.

By the way: Mast rake is still a tricky business for me anyway. Maybe I am not sensitive / skilled enough but tacking is not my favourite course. And when the nose dips you’ll loose in most cases anyway. But isn’t that half the thrill?

Hope somebody can give me some advice.

Eddie
The Netherlands
# 99173

Have you looked at the 8:1's? They use the 2.25 blocks adding another sheave to the top block and a small block on the becket of the lower set. Therefore I wouldn't expect the stacked height to be that different.

No need for any more than 6:1 on a 16. Esp if you are single handing alot!!

Another note, new sails and new shrouds are sized to accomodate more rake. If you have long (old) shrouds &/or sails you will not be able to get the rake & rig tension desired.