Hello guys, new to the group. I am having great sucess with the jib so far. A short history on how I started the jib attempt. I was in the EC2011 and saw the normal jib so first I attached to the strap that is on the sail. I had problems with overpowering the mast so I put stays on and that prevented furling the main without first dropping the jib. That was not going to work so I decided to go with a smaller sail and unstayed because one of the reasons I bought the TI is the quick furling main. So I attached the jib lower and now I am unstayed and self tacking and it does not overpower the mast but sure improves the tacking and work into the wind. It also works well furled or partly furled. I need to get into some higher winds and watch the bow carefully for any problems like Jim was having in the EC. So far so good but only time will tell.
I see no reason why this could not be used on the AI as well. My jib is cut down from a hobie 14 which started at aprox. 29 sq I believe so mine is around 20-22 I believe, I will have to get out and measure it to get the correct number.
I would really like to be able to purchase a jib like this from hobie and put away my cut down one. I do think that this might be the answer for folks wanting a jib on a AI or TI. It really seems to improve most in light winds which makes since because of adding sail area and not getting caught "In Irons" tacking. Plus no worries about over powering the mast. Most winds that I have been in with it so far is 10-12 so no real challenges yet and since the answer to submarining is reducing sail it should be no issue. I put it on youtube hoping for folks to pick it apart and tell me what was wrong with it and what I am overlooking but nothing has come up yet.
I'll try and get some video sailing and posted. That may not be for a day or two, no wind in the forcast for the next few days.
Enjoying the forum so far, lots of info. I can't wait to get a new rudder and try it out as I don't care much for the one I have altho it has been plenty of control so far. That is another thing that I will be watching for in higher winds.
Roger
The jib can be taken down quickly if needed but I just roll it up with the main and stuff in the bag. Its not much different, just one added line which I cleated right beside the main sheet so I can release them at the same time. I will keep updates going on my blogger page. link at
www.rogermann.org