Hobie Cat Forums

Hope someone can help with this. Bought a new custom sail for over $1000 and the sail is coming out of the luff track at the comp tip so sail does't latch (and is very hard to take down). Prior posts on this subject discuss need to install the 'luff track update' part. However, apparently Hobie no longer makes this part. So I have a significant problem.

It's a little tough for me to tell whether the rope is coming out at the
junction of the luff track at main mast and comp tip or if it's
getting by that and the slipping out above the junction. Got to play with that some more. Wherever it's happening, my old sail doesn't have the same issue.
Anyway, if someone knows how I can get my hands on a luff track update part or has other thoughts, I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444

How does the new sail bolt rope compare to the Hobie sail bolt rope - smaller??. If so a bit of sail tape around the new blot rope toward the top of the sail might be an easy fix.

Almost certainly it's pulling out up at the head of the mast. Probably happens when you pull on mainsheet tension. I'm surprized that Hobie doesn't have the updates anymore, but I guess if it's not a part for a H16, they aren't re-stocking.

I've seen guys put a hose clamp around the plastic track just below the halyard hook try to keep the track held together. Not sure how well it worked though.

sm

It may be that the die is broken (like it is for the 17/20 mast) and it's not worth getting a new one made for the minimal sales they make, or just that the minimum run is ridiculously large. Somebody's got some stock somewhere. Just might take a while to find it.

JB or MM?

We have the aluminum update section still - no idea why a dealer said they were discontinued - just order it - part # 50404111 (ships same day)
Toll free 1800hobie49

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobiecat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

Oh - that's great. Strange that they told me that but appreciate the information.
Adam

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444

I got the luff update early this year with no troubles.



The reason is teflon. All modern sails come with teflon thread for less friction while hoisting your main. This makes it more slippery on the head at the comp tip. I got the same issue until got the update.

Once you get your update there are a couple of issue:
1. The new track is very difficult to push in. I've struggled for a good 20 min. and almost gave up. Then it just pop-in. Unless you have a Papay hands, you may need an extra helper with a good hand grip.
2. You will need to really file the edges new track junction. Otherwise the sail will get stuck before it enters the new track section. I mean, go with a 45 deg until almost the opposite edge. Then smooth it. Best is to test it before you go sailing with your mast horizontal.

_________________
H17

Thanks for all of the replies! I'm (re)ordering the part. Hopefully this time it won't be discontinued.

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444

Jackb,

I am trying to get my sail to go up past the junction of the plastic luff track and the aluminum track update. Both parts of the track are new, and I have a new Hobie sail. There is a mismatch between the aluminum section and the plastic section of the track and the sail bolt rope gets stuck there.

Can I do the filing while the aluminum track is on the mast, or do I need to remove it first. when filing the update piece at 45 deg, how much material do you think needs to be removed, (1/4", on each side for example)?

It's very frustrating to have spent so much on the new Hobie sail, new track, and aluminum update, to not even be able to get it up the mast. I considered beveling the bolt rope of the sail, but don't want to mess up the new sail.

Any help is appreciated. (it's a 1988 hobie 17 by the way)

Just remove a section of the plastic track below the new luff update. This will give you enough access to the aluminum part. Just take your time and be very careful removing the plastic track not to make any damage. I've used 2 small screwdrivers.


Here is the picture. I guess I've end up with more like 30 deg. slope, but 45 should be OK too. The point is, the filing should be quite aggressive.



Just now, looking at the picture, I've realized I've done a bit messy job . Just so happen I was camping and only tools I've had was a couple of screwdrivers and wives nail file..
My Hobie is H17 1988, too.

_________________
H17

I ordered a luff track update a few weeks ago but the dealer called and said the part is back ordered. I told the dealer I would wait for the part to become available. Can I order directly from Hobie or do I have to wait for the dealer?

The warehouse is shipping back orders today - and the luff tracks are on that list (I think it's Mariner Sails in TX that has this item on B/O - I just checked the system)

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobiecat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

I finally got mine

_________________
Adam
e-mail: ab at medjet.net
H17S, Hobie Bravo, A cat
Fleet 444