Hobie Cat Forums

Is it only a rumor that the mast can be bent to the point of damage due to a loose main, or are there conditions under which damage/bending will actually occur? My main sheet has come uncleated a dozen times while under spi in conditions often exceeding 15kts. No damage/bending so far.
Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, Ca
05 FX1
02 Tiger

I've seen some scary looking photos of Tiger masts that looked like noodles, but I've never heard of one breaking - unlike some other spinnaker catamarans.

The Tiger's got a reputation for a mast like a telephone pole.

Hi Matt,

"Looked like noodles" As in permanently bent? Or do you mean only while under sail, and once relieved of load they returned to their normal shape?

Are you sailing a Tiger now?

Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, CA
05 FX1
02 Tiger

Not permanently bent. Only while under sail.

I sold my Tiger about 1 1/2 years ago. Too many boats.

Under no circumstances should you uncleat your backstay (mainsail) in heavier conditions with the spinnaker hoisted. Either replace your main cleat or check the cleating angles or hand hold. Yes...the Tiger mast is a tree trunk but as mbounds has stated...it can look awful scary when loaded up in a breeze. KEEP YOUR MAIN TIGHT DOWNWIND. You'll save a trip to the aluminum recycler.

Tigerboy
Hobie F18 #2596

With no backstay support from the main the mast will snap in seconds, the first gust, it is gone. Hobie do offer a repair kit for it, but have not tried it yet.

As Matt said, they get pretty noodly if the main sheet is uncleated in a breeze. Never have heard of one breaking or becoming permanently bent though. Those diamonds and the extrusion itself are pretty stout. Still, keep the sheet on.

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!

Thanks Jeremy.

The release of my mainsheet has always been purely accidental, but the fact that it has happened to me so many times on both of my boats, with no damage, spurred me to post this question.

My guess is that at some point, likely in conditions beyond my comfort zone, damage will occur. I need to focus on preventing this accidental release of the main during gybes.

Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, CA
05 FX1
02 Tiger

Not to hijack the thread, but while we are on the subject of "Bad" things to do on your Tiger , what other things are to be avoided (I mean other than the Bad things I've already done on my Tiger: 1. Not checking charts and smashing daggerboards on rocks, 2. Falling through the mainsail, 3. Capsizing 50 yds from a rocky lee shore (close call, we saved it!))

What about putting up the chute while forgetting to release the downhaul, can that put stress on the main and rip it? Any other "must avoid" setup situations would be helpful to hear about, so I can get back to learning to sail her, not just fix her!

_________________
Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

Loosening the downhaul. Good topic to discuss - I was under the impression that downwind downhaul/cunningham loosening has one purpose, which is mainsail shape. I had never considered that a mainsail tear could result from forgetting to loosen it before launching the spi. Makes sense though. Is anyone out there knowledgeable about this?

Beethoven has the pre-storm stuff covered, but when my rig needs to be de-powered it's pure Prokofiev; when I flip, I drop bile to Takemitsu; when I'm passing someone it's Hindemith; spi (wild thing) it's Messiaen; after sailing clean-up it's John Adams; boat repair, definitely Zappa; and the quiet after the storm - Barber.

Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, CA
05 FX1
02 Tiger

I would also make sure that mast rotation is fully on. We have flown the bag with the mast looking like a windsurfer mast with downhaul on etc.

Dan, May I?

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfjD-DQ5 ... re=related
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUmq1cpc ... re=related
3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G34poeKM ... re=related
4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3BRFYc9LOw
5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a35DH9tK ... re=related
6) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enHFuPYWLUk
7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2b0OIkTraI (We can glass in Dan's garage)
8) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dPDO3Tfab0

Had to do it.

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!

Hey Jeremy,

Your coolness factor just doubled! I thought I was going to get dished on for trying to mix beach cats and classical music! I was not expecting cool youtube performances!

Were you just lucky, or are you a real 20th-century classical buff? Your selections (Messiaen, Takemitsu, Barber) hit the nail on the head!!! Zappa, on the other hand, check out Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat (if we are keeping it classical).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr3y2MUdq7U

Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, CA
05 FX1
02 Tiger

Grew up in a musical family. Grandfather= Double Bass, Other grandpa=Trombone, Dad=electric base/ banjo/ guitar, Me= Double and E Bass/ Guitar

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!