Reccomended Main Sheet and Block set for racing

Hi,

I am looking for the best bang for the buck for a new mainsheet as well as a block set. Any ideas? I did search and couldn't find any tips.

Thanks

Start here depending on the purchase you need:

https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=331

Doug

The stock system is 5:1. Most here will tell you anything higher than 6:1 is overkill for the H-16.

Correction... 5:1 use to be stock a LONG time ago. 6:1 low profile has been the go since the early 80's.



Current stock setup is Harken triple lower with ratchet H194 and triple upper H2640 with 40 feet of 3/8 line.

Thanks guys.

I bought some of the old school 6:1 blacks that are probably not where near "low profile" enough because I am almost always block to block going up wind.

My crew weight is LOW since it's me and my kid who range from 50-100 pounds. I'm about 155

I rake the mast to mitigate the pitch pole action although it's the highlight of the day for my crew:)

I see the block set that is reccommended on the Hobie brochure.

Which is the stock set?

https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8221&idcategory=331

or below.

https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8223&idcategory=331

I like the auto ratchet idea. Is it class legal?

Are the only class legal sails from Hobie?

Thanks for the great forum and to all who post on it!

Neither link shows the stock set. Both will work fine. I prefer to control when the ratchet is engaged... don't like the auto ratchet feature. One set shows the stock lower H194 and the other the stock upper H2640.

H16 Class Legal sails are Hobie factory made only.

There are dozens of boats around here from the early 80's. In our little "yacht club" we have a '79, two '82's and an '84. Before we upgraded the early boats all had two hangers on the boom with single blocks. The '84 had a double upper but was still 5:1.

Which brings up another question....how far back on the boom is the block hanger on the newer boats? Not sure which of my two block hangers I should be using for a triple upper. Due to the takeoff angle, one works better from the tramp and the other better from the trapeze. Maybe I should put another hanger right in between.

Looks like 1986 was a factory drawing change to a single boom bale at what looks like 81.5 inches aft of the forward end of the extrusion. They also tilted that bale forward 13 degrees in 1988. We have since revised this dimension further, but I can't place a drawing at the moment. To use the current / latest dimension, you should use the latest step casting and base though. They allow max rake and that started with the 2004 Worlds boats.

I rescued this boat from the bush. Little other than the hulls are the original from new.

My boom has two bails on it and I'm thinking that this could be part of my block to block issue. Even with the mast as forward as possible it bottoms out occasionally.

I am going to try to move the shrouds down to the bottom hole and see if after tensing the jib halyard all the way I can get decent tension on the sails when I need.

Thanks

On two bale (i.e. pre 6:1) booms, I've heard it is better to hang 6:1 blocks from the forward bale as it causes less stress on the gooseneck. In very light air, blocks on the rear bale may provide a little better response.

Having said that, I have never heard of a H16 gooseneck breaking. H17 on the other hand ...

I measured a new one last summer at 82-3/8"that's good to know

With my "old school" setup, I've always used the rear bail...will try the front in heavier stuff

I changed the position on the shrouds. Now I know why I was slower on one tack that the other The are both "even" and lower. I can tension the jib halyard nice and tight and have good rake. The blocks don't touch as easily know.

As simple as these things are I still have so much to learn. Looking forward to getting Ricks DVD to pick up some more tips.

Got out in some really heavy stuff the other day. 6-8' swells and 25 + knots of wind. She sailed great! Big fun

Need a new main sheet now. My old one gets very heavy and slips off the boat all the time. PITA