Finishing touches...hope to dunk it in the lake this weekend!
I rigged the boat in order to determine optimal angles for my roller furling setup. The cleat has been modified to conform to the crossbar profile. My two overriding concerns were: 1) improve upon the stock system; 2) maintain an extremely low profile / rounded edges in order to retain safety in the event of a (rare) pitchpole. I considered a lance cleat but they have metallic edges and a taller profile.
I am pleased to say that this worked fantastic in static testing. Hope to never test the pitchpole situation.
SX wing weight loading sticker, for reference:
Harken Carbo Ratchamatic blocks all around. FSE Robline sheets and traveler. Kept with a 7:1 class legal (inline) mainsheet stack. I also have an 8:1 setup that I have used on other 18's on the heavy days.
This is (in my opinion) the perfect spot for these quick shackles.
Separate traveler line tied to mainsheet. Different color for visual reference, and can be untied in the event that the mainsheet gets swept overboard and caught on a rudder on a heavy day. Prevents uncleating / unthreading the traveler in order to retrieve the sheets.
Upgraded aluminum Clamcleats on the boom. Simple and work well.
Downhaul: Similar to the 5:1 available through Murrays, but better. Slightly wider to fit the newer / fatter Hobie downhaul grommet in the new Hobie mainsail. Pivoting exit block at the bottom. Attaches to the sail in seconds & does not require re-threading the line at each rigging. All Harken blocks. The aluminum cleat on the mast in the second picture is the factory Hobie cleat and is not used.
Another view:
And finally, some sails. Custom color pattern, class legal Hobie. I wanted something cheerful that would still look good with a white jib (down the road when the multi colored jib is worn out) Pattern with the striped jib is a definite nod to yesteryear...I like it. Also, I wanted to get as many of the tell-tale windows into white fabric as I could...provides a nice viewing contrast.
Lets go sailing! Finally!