Hobie Cat Forums

I have 2004 Tiger with new original Hobie Cat Spinnaker

I noticed last week (Regatta) that my boat is different in its capability to sail up to the wind (with Spinnaker) compared to rest of the boats by at least 10 degrees (I mean that other boat can sail with the Spinnaker much closer to the wind)

any suggestions will be appreciated

Eyal

Newer spinnakers are much flatter and shorter on the foot.

You will not be able to point as high with your older spinnaker. The only cure is to get a newer spinnaker.

Matt - he says he has a New original Spinnaker - so I'm not sure if that is his answer. We would need more clear details on what he has - anything that has been purchased from Hobie Cat USA would be the most current cut and able to sail hot - another thing you can try is ease the halyard slightly to be able to climb a bit higher - tighter luff you'll head lower - for buoy racing you don't want to sail high going downwind...of course only to defend from another guy reaching over the top of you - but at a point you'll be losing out to guys who are sailing deeper - so it's a balance, not too high and not too deep.

sorry for being incomprhensive

I have tiger 2004, main & jib are original (old) and the Spinnaker is brand new purchased from Hobie USA

As I suspected then... yes - just a different technique is required to sail higher with a chute - for one, you will need to trapeze (or the crew) with the kite up, this will get you going higher - if you are new to racing with a spinnaker and the other guys who were rolling you have been doing it longer - expect that it's a technique difference - and not in the sail cut - trust me, there is more to is than the sails I'm sure.
Get out and do some training with other teams who can get you up to speed.

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobiecat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

JB...you're forgetting that the spin blocks on a 2004 vintage Tiger are mounted behind the DB trunks. This will cause the leech to open up while the foot remains tight on the current flatter cut spins. Consequently you can't carry the chute on higher angles of sail.

Eshpilberg...A potential solution for your dilemna is to move the spin blocks and attaching eyestraps forward and re-mount about half way in between the DB trunk and front crossbar...on the inboard side of the deck (next to the tramp). Be sure to use large backing washers to take the load...otherwise you'll rip them out. This solution will cause more tension to be applied to the leech when sheeting in... closing it off and allowing you to carry it higher when sailing off wind.

John Bauldry
Hobie Wild Cat USA194
(Former Hobie Tiger USA2596)

You can install tweak-er blocks if you don't want to drill into your decks too - seen guys do that it works nice.

I did the temporary set up (after seeing Tomko's boat in 2006 @ the F18 Nationals in Lake Carlyle, IL) by threading the spin block shackles and weaving spetcra through the forward tramp grommets...tying off the spectra at the dolphin striker and original spin block eye straps...just to see if the new spins worked good. They did and I then mounted permanently by drilling through the deck and backing with large washers. Never had any problems since.

JB

TigerBoy - you need a new scree-name don't you? (WildCatBoy?)

Done both set ups. Tweeker blocks and new mounts. I like the deck mounts.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Hi,

MANY thanks for the good advise - does anyone have the precise location for the Spi blocks?

Thanks
Eyal

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11736

Pics here of where to relocate them.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/