Hobie 18/18SX Downhaul Options

I am looking at a new downhaul system for our H18. I found a 5:1 on the "catsailor" website, but it is my least favorite so far.

http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... jndrqoirr8

I like the downhaul system in the hobie catalog better (page 27) and am thinking I could set up a 6:1 using the Harken H231 & H228 with a twist shackle. Not quite sure if that would work though.

It looks to me that the class specifications allow up to an 8:1 downhaul.

There is an 8:1 listed on catsailor that looks totally sweet!
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... jndrpnrrd0

That may be a bit of overkill though & requires some riveting to the mast. Any thoughts from anyone who has used these systems on the H18?

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Tad Jones
1985 Hobie 18 - Redline
Magnum Wings

What's NOT shown in that 8:1 photo is the boom and the rotation arm. Lots of congestion.

What we used is an 8:1 cascading system. A 4:1 with the pivoting exit blocks and two hanging blocks, which require another pair of clam cleats on either side of the mast.

This gives you the maximum allowed by the rules, if not racing you'd probably be happy with the 6:1, like I said, not sure that quad, upper block will work on an 18.

Search for my 2005 post with replies from flumpmaster for more details of the cascading dowhaul.

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

The cascaded system is the best approach. Mine is 2 singles up, 1 down, exit blocks with cams and 2 jamb cleats on the mast. I pull the wrinkles out with the jamb cleats and my purchase system allows me to control it from there. I run a squaretop so good downhaul becomes more critical.