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 Post subject: Main Luff Jams
PostPosted: Mon May 06, 2013 2:14 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 2:09 pm
Posts: 4
Hey guys, I have 2 Hobie mainsails and both have tears in the part of luff that goes inside the mast track. The tears on both are about 4 to 6 inches above the top of the wider area for feeding the luff into the track. The stiches have come out in that area so that the outer layer folds down and jams in the track making it very hard to raise the main those last 4 inches. How should I repair this? Do I have to get a whole new luff sleeve or should I just sew this part back on somehow? Alternatively I could cut that part out and just have no protection right there?

I would really appreciate the help!


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 Post subject: Re: Main Luff Jams
PostPosted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:28 pm 
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Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:06 am
Posts: 277
Location: Charlotte, NC
A picture would help me visualize... I may be thinking of a whole different issue... but I'd guess some sail tape would see you thru the season or at least each outing. Round the corners and use the tape to tighten and smooth it up if possible without adding thickness. Some Sailkote sprayed in the channel may help too - available at your Hobie dealer.

Then, when you can, get it to a sail loft for a proper repair.

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Jonathan
'85 H16 __/) 87468 Tidal Wave
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 Post subject: Re: Main Luff Jams
PostPosted: Tue May 07, 2013 12:32 pm 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15021
Location: Oceanside, California
Be sure you read the sail hoist FAQ. Most of the issue is likely technique... which has damaged the sail.

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=371

Most important part:

Quote:
Hoist Technique:

Keep the batten tension to a minimum. Hoist the sail slowly, while feeding into the mast opening. When the sail gets about 3/4's of the way up, begin aggressively feeding at the bottom opening and reduce the amount of halyard effort. If the halyard is pulled tight when the sail is not being fed into and up the track, you will have problems. The sail luff will pull taunt and the curve shape will bind in the (straight) mast track. Lower the sail slightly and begin feeding again.

The best way to feed the sail is to stand in front of the mast and reach around either side to "sandwich" the sail between two hands (above the feeder opening) and push the sail up the track. Pull with the halyard, only the slack created, then feed again. If the sail binds, lower slightly and begin feeding again. This technique can be done by one person, but is certainly easier with two working together. It is VERY important that the person on the halyard only pulls the slack up the mast and does not get ahead of the feeder.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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 Post subject: Re: Main Luff Jams
PostPosted: Tue May 14, 2013 8:43 am 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:35 pm
Posts: 626
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
This really helped me last week on vacation, was having trouble getting the halyard hooked. Perfect timing!

on my Main, there the bolt rope goes through, there is one or two spots where the material is torn, what do you recommend to fix this with> Sail repair tape??


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 Post subject: Re: Main Luff Jams
PostPosted: Wed May 15, 2013 9:35 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15021
Location: Oceanside, California
Best repair would be done by a loft. The tape might help in the short term.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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