Hobie Cat Forums

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Wes
98 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

Mast rotation INDUCER...you're not talking about the stock set-up that uses the cleat on the top of the boom are you? Don't use it!
Seriously, everyone that I have seen went away from the stock system a long time ago. This is the set-up where you use the cleat on the top of the boom to jam the boom and mast together to force rotation. The problem with the system was that if you ever forgot to release the rotation inducer before gybing, the mast won't be able to un-rotate and you run the risk of breaking mainsail battens or worse, the mast.

Use the bungie system that everyone now uses (same as on the 17). This is the one where you create a bridle of of heavy bunge about 10' long, tied between the bridle wire anchors on the bows. Tie a loop of line with a pulley on it to the rotation arm, and connect the pulley to your bungie bridle. You also need make and install a tube to hold the rotation arm down (most people use PVC pipe). This system works well and is totally automatic, so you never adjust it and you won't break your mast.

sm

ohhhhhh...thankyou..thankyou..thankyou...so simply and clearly put.

wes

_________________
Wes
98 Miracle 20 + magnum wings

srm
Would you have a photograph(s) or sketch of the 'bungee' mast rotation inducer?
I have a mental picture of your description, but I don't see how it would work ... so my picture is probably 'wrong'!
Thanks!
franklin j VIOLA

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'Esperanza'
SC 21 Sail 253
photo@violaphoto.com
www.violaphoto.com

I don't have a picture handy, sorry. I certainly didn't come up with this system, as it is quite popular, so a lot of boats have something similar. I bet if you go to the HCspace Hobie 20 page, there's bound to be a picture of it.

I can try to clarify my description-

There is one piece of regular line, about 3/16 or 1/4" diameter and about 3 feet long, maybe a little more. Each end of this line gets tied to the rotation arm in the loop where the rotation LIMITER line also passes through. Also attached to this line is a pulley that is free to move along the line. This 3 foot line is routed so it is a loop that goes in front of the mast. In addition, there is a heavy bungee cord with one end tied to each bow tang (actually it's nice to have a small loop of line on each bow tang with a hook on each end of the bungee for easy install/removal). Last, you tie or shackle the becket on the pulley to the centerpoint of the bungee cord. The tension in the bungee pulls the mast into rotation. The abilty of the pully to slide along the loop and the elastic of the bungee lets the mast switch sides. On the H20, you also need a device to hold the rotation arm down, as it will want to kick up with all of the forward force. Most people use a pice of PVC pipe between the rotation arm and just below the gooseneck on the mast.

Sorry, but that's the best I can do. Look around for a pic and it will become immediately clear.

sm

photo of the white pvc tube between the gooseneck and rotation arm



photo of bungee and pulleys/blocks and line. Photo is a bit bright, but see the two blocks right in line with the shroud? Bungee is run continuous from bridle tang to bridle tang (1/4" dia. or larger). I put a caribeener between the two blocks so we could (easily) unhook the positive rotation after racing, and leave it set up for the next day.



BTW, that's the best crew in the world, my son Paul!

Check through the hundreds of photos here for other views. There's lots of variations of how each individual rigs their boat and some people don't use the positive rotation.
http://picasaweb.google.com/hobie20king

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Thanks for both the detailed verbal and pictorial descriptions!

BTW, how do ya'll embed photographs (such as Paul) into postings? Would appreciate reply on or offline.
Thanks!
franklin j VIOLA

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'Esperanza'
SC 21 Sail 253
photo@violaphoto.com
www.violaphoto.com

Thanks for all the help everybody!

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Wes
98 Miracle 20 + magnum wings