Hobie Cat Forums

Does anyone have the new rotator system on their boat? Did you have to completely grind off the stops or leave a small bit so the mast does not jump out of the step? Looking to upgrade my 14 over the winter.

Thanx in advance!

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

Bob:

I bought a mast rotator arm for a boomess from Murrays that is Like a V going out from the mast and straight across the back. I use the system for a Hobie 20 with two snaps rings, three pieces of line and shock cord. Tie the line across the bridle conncetors at front of beams. Then with line tied to holes in mast rotator I clip one end of shock cord to rings and loop it around front line and back to rings. This pulls mast forward for downwind to 110 degrees. For mast rotation I have a small pulley system with cleat that attches one end to boomand other to mast rotator. This sets mast rotation. Hope this make sense? If not call me.

Doug Snell
281-326-2702
dsnell4@houston.rr.com

Bob,

I added it to my 14--I was the only one who had it at the NAs. I used a hack saw to cut off most of the base, but left a piece sticking up about a half inch in width. I think I'll go ahead and grind the rest of it off before it breaks off and I'll just drive bolt into the base.

In order to get the rotation in medium to light wind, I found that a bungee from the bridle/forestay adjuster to the rotator worked REALLY well. Of course, you'll MacGyver something else, I'm sure..

I also added the new down haul system and it is pretty nice BUT you can't adjust it from everywhere. Th mast is pretty much pointing away from you at every point of sail, so it is hard to deal with. I pretty much let it out when I rounded A and yanked on it before I rounded C.

Dan

Since the rotator is right under the boom, I don't think the positive rotation system we use on the 17's would work too well (too much downward angle when you attach the bungee to the bows).

On the other hand, a strong bungee attached to a block on a loop of line around the mast (both ends of the line tied to the end of the rotator), then attached to the forestay adjuster, might kill two birds with one stone - it would pull the mast forward when you let off on the main sheet and it would provide positive, self tacking mast rotation.

Prolly very tricky to get the tension right, though.

Thanks guys! Dan you're right; I've already got something up my sleave!!

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

Bob:

My system works great. see above post.

Doug

Anybody got any pictures of what has worked?

I see y'all are hosting the 14 nationals. Why not the 17s too?? Scuttlebut is the 17s in San Francisco. I didn't think there were any close to there and I really don't think many eastcoasters would go, IMO.

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

I've been leaning on Chris to do the 17's, but he's resisting.


(Resistance is futile - you will be assimilated!)

They're trying to pair the 17's with the Tigers in SF Bay. I'd be up for it just for the wind, but then again, I need a boat.

Thats good! How'd you know I was a hard core Trek nerd?
We can easily handle a 3 day event (14s) and put on a great regatta and I think you'll see really high turn out for the number of 14s on the start for this one. Lots of people in Div 7 are pumped up about it and are begging, borrowing and stealing every 14 that can be had around here. Un-officially, I have heard from 15 people who say they will sail in this event. That doesn't include anyone (other than me and Andy) who have previously sailed. So if we get some of the other regulars, we could have a great number.
The 17s would be more than we could chew for this year. Plus, we only have 2 17s in the entire division and I don't think either has sailed in years. If they'd live with a 3 day, we'd be able to do it, but thats the only way.

What time of the year are you targeting??

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

I beleive Chris is planning on an October date for the 14 Nationals

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Tom & Nancy Page H20 803

Okay! For those of you who have drilled the hole for the rotator, how far up from the bottom of the mast have you found is a good place to drillthe rotator hole? I obviously don't want to drill too high.

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

Well.....,

I drilled the holes and the rotator is on the mast. Next is stepping the stick tomorrow and installing the rotator cleat on the boom. But first, a trip to Boat US for some "secret" setup stuff!

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

Bob:

My setup works great. Good Luck.

Doug