Hobie Cat Forums

Hi all, I just had a jib kit installed on my Hobie Wave, and took it out for a first sail (in 20-30 knots). It's too early to say whether it improves speed (I spent the whole time trying to keep the boat upright!). I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed though. Why?
- it came with a captive pin D shackle on the end of the halyard, but the shackle was too small to fit over the head of the sail and into the clew. I had to attach a second shackle before I could haul the jib up
- the lff of the sail is attached at only two points: one hank near the top, and a hook that attaches at the tack. The result is that under pressure, the luff of the sail goes way out of shape. Why couldn't Hobie have fitted a few more hanks along the luff?
- the fairlead for the jib sheet is installed about half way back along the tramp, between the tramp and the hull. I've only taken the boat out once since this was fitted, but because of the positioning of the fairlead, I can't see how you could sheet the jib in appropriately, unless you're on a fine reach.

Has anyone else installed a jib on their Wave, and if so, how have you found it? Any tips for addressing these problems?

thanks,
stuart

Update: I've figured out a few things that will improve jib sail shape. Would be interested to hear if others have done the same, or have other suggestions.
(1) a continuous red line serves as a jib sheet , running from one fairlead and cam cleat through the clew of the sail, and back to the other fairlead/cam cleat. I tied a knot at the clew and it dramatically improves sail shape, and helps pull the foot of the sail down. Still not great, but much better.
(2) the hook that attaches the tack of the jib to the aluminium crossbar is too long, making it impossible to properly tension the luff of the jib. I'm thinking of shortening it in some way. Any suggestions?
(3) it would be relatively easy to add a few more hanks to the luff of the jib, and an eyelet near the tack to allow for a downhaul, which would also improve sail shape. Has anyone else done this?
(4) it wouldn't be all that hard to add additional fairleads on a traveller on the forward crossbeam, like you would have on a Hobie 16. This would also improve sail shape. Has anyone done this?

Apologies for my obsession with the jib, just seems that you could get much more out of it with a few simple mods. Some of which should have been part of the standard Hobie kit, IMHO.

stuart