NOHUHU wrote:
Did you experience anything like this with your AI fleet?
Do you have any recommendations for the proper size and type of replacement line?
Mahalos
I have replaced all the reefing lines once, but with the same line. Before we tied the reefing line to the sheetline, it use to get caught in the Mirage drive or between the drive and drive well or even under the hull through the drive hole when landing. This caused it to be cut and frayed. No problem since tying them together. I think the current size and type of line is fine for the AI & TI.
The reefing line on the AI is also harder to reef (as you stated) than the sheetline, because of the same line angle issues. But because we can pull it lower in the AI (nothing but the drive pedals in the way), it's not as much of a problem.
I'm assuming your reefing line cleat has a fairlead in front to center the line (The first year AI's didn't). If not, that will fix most of your problem (Hobie #H284 $5.50). The early ones were wire, the later ones heavy plastic. If the fairlead is in place then adding the wedge should help.
I should mention, the wedge comes as a set of 2 large (which I used 1) and 2 small (which I have no idea what for, except maybe a smaller cleat?)
Lastly, since I re-rigged the TI's sheetline to the 3 to 1, the rear (my choice) isn't used, so I removed the top of it so it's an open cleat, and I can use it to hold either line (or both of I place the smaller reefing line below the cleated sheet line). Handy.
The Wire fairlead (#H284):
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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006