Hobie Cat Forums

I just got my first sailboat, a 1975 Hobie 16 and it has no downhaul. Do I need a downhaul? How important is it to racing or just light wind cursing? Thanks in advance!

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1977 Hobie 16 + newer hobie wanted!

Very important. Take a good look at your mast and I'll bet you have the cleat necessary for an old boat. We had a very early 70s boat when i was growing up and a simple rope from the foot of the sail through center of the cleat, back up and then cinched to the cleat will do the trick.

You'll need one to race, but there's absolutely no need for a downhaul in order to curse light wind!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

The standard downhaul on the H16 is very basic. Just a single piece of line. As FlyNavy said, all you do is tie it off to the loop at the bottom of the gooseneck (the part that connects the boom to the mast), pass it down through the center of the cleat, back up through the gooseneck loop, and finally back down to the cleat. This gives you a 3:1 purchase. If you want to get fancy you can add a small block to the gooseneck to reduce friction, and if you want to get really fancy, you can install the 6:1 racing downhaul.

In any case, to answer your question - yes, you need to use the downhaul. It is critical to controlling sail shape. In light wind, pull it snug so all or most of the wrinkles are removed from the mainsail. In strong wind, pull it down tight to flatten the sail.

No problems with cursing light wind, but just be sure to also give thanks to the wind gods when it blows.

sm

Yep... NEED a downhaul system.. Getting a 3:1 purchase like SRM works 'fine'.

And to help put a bit more downhaul in for a windy day.. Point the boat into the wind and sheet the main in fairly snug. This will make it easier to do more than just pull the wrinkles out of the sail..



On a calm day.. Sheet in the main.. and then play around with the downhaul.. The changes in sail shape are obvious.


I just upgraded to a 6:1 downhaul system.. I have no idea how I ever did it any other way.. it is really really easy to get used to all the bells and whistles.

Thanks so much for your input everyone. I'll probably be buying one before my first regatta on june 7th.

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1977 Hobie 16 + newer hobie wanted!

Hey jpedsailing,

I have a new harken 3:1 downhaul kit still in the unopened bag - http://www.murrays.com/mm5/merchant.mvc ... re_Code=MS

I ordered it last fall and then changed my mind and got a 6:1 before I got a chance to use it. It's yours for $20 + a couple bucks for shipping. PM me if you want it.

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Garrett

94' H16 - 100403

GN_NC
I think I'll pass for now but thanks for the offer. If I do get one I'll go for the 6:1. Thanks anyways.

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1977 Hobie 16 + newer hobie wanted!

Here's some unsolicited advice that I feel compelled to give since it appears that you're just starting out and your boat is very old. While I, like ronholm, dig my 6:1 downhaul, it costs like $200, and is probably the last upgrade you need to be considering. It's not going to do you much good on a '75 boat unless you've got much newer sails, 6:1 mainblocks, newer standing rigging that allows more mast rake, and adjustable rake rudder castings and racing rudders that can handle the mast rake. I'd recommend that you get the gooseneck bearing if you don't have one already, rig the standard 3:1 downhaul with 3/16" line per srm's instructions, and spend your money on something else.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

I agree with Jerome. I have a '78 and there is a tons of other stuff that I would rather upgrade first.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Okay, I really do need a few other things first before that, and I do have the old downhaul set up, I just didn't realize it. Thanks!

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1977 Hobie 16 + newer hobie wanted!

Very good....glad to help!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

Do you still have the downhall kit?

sxr, here you go, $10 cheaper than murrays
http://www.saltydogmarine.com/product_info.php?products_id=1938
don't get me wrong, I love murrays, but $$ is $$

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Cesar (Cez) S.
'81 H16 Cat Fever - "He gone!"

I bought it from him!!!!!!!!!! he had replied by PM!! funnything, I started to reply last night saying I had gotten it!