Downhaul Scale Placement?

This may seem like a dumb question but where is everyone affixing their downhaul scale sticker on their masts? Should the "0" inch end be flush to the bottom of the black band?

Also, do you take the downhaul measurement from the top or bottom of the gooseneck slide?

I put the top of the scale (10) at the mast track opening. That's as far up as you want the top of the slide to go.

With the top there, the bottom of the scale is well below the black band.

You always measure from the top of the slide.

Thanks Matt! I have the Hobie 6:1 power downhaul installed on my boat. Do you put a scale on both sides of the mast so it can be read when the mast is rotated? Or, in your opinion is it best only to use the scale to record best settings, then mark the downhaul line with a laundry marker?

I put it on both sides of the mast and use the numbers only as quick reference points.

For example, I'll get the downhaul in a rough setting for upwind - looser in light air / tighter in heavy air. I'll go upwind for a while and maybe tweak it a bit until the sail looks the way I want it to. Then I make a mental note of what number the top of the slide is on.

That way, when you let ot off to go downwind, or just sitting (like waiting for a start - releasing the DH will keep the sail from flogging), you can tell your crew, "Downhaul to 6!" or something like that when it needs to go back on.

A lot more precise than having them just giving it a yank.

Thanks for sharing Matt! On a similar note, it seems like I'm wearing out the Trentec gooseneck slide bearings from all the adjustment. But I should add that it's a bit of an effort to get my gooseneck slide into the mast while rigging the boat. The boom wants to pull away from the mast yet the outhaul is totally loose. Is this is normal? If so, how often should I expect to replace the bearings?

I don't think I've ever replaced the downhaul bearings. The bearings didn't even exist until the mid-80's and we didn't know any better. Sure swore at it lot more, though.

The downhaul on the 16 does not require constant adjustment. If you're just fooling around, leave it on a particular setting. Even when racing, we set it once for going upwind; loosen it for downwind or when you're just sitting to keep the main from flogging. Rarely is it adjusted under load.

Without a picture, it's hard to figure out what's going on with your gooseneck and why it doesn't want to fit up to the mast. May have something to do with the way the shackle is attached to the main sail tack.

Do these stickers come with the 6:1 kit or are they available elsewhere?

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1980 H16

I didn't get any with my kit

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2007 Hobie 16 - 'Slingshot'
1996 Hobie 18 - 'Onrails'
Hobie Bravo - 'Hobie Bites'

so...where we get em?


Edit....found em. http://www.apsltd.com/c-4653-controland ... ckers.aspx

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1980 H16

Sounds like a tape measure and a sharpie would suffice...

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

Ohh come on!

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1980 H16

On a black mast?
I need some stickers too.
I'm sure my friendly Hobie dealer has them.

Use a silver Sharpie.

Ironically, at the CRAM regatta this past weekend they gave us all these stickers! No sharpie for me!!

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

This!

I have them everywhere, even on the Jib and Main Travelers. It just looks cool . Well that and it is lot 'easier' when sailing with inexperienced crew. Like Matt said, instead of saying "ease the jib traveler"..... just tell them to set the darn thing to 3 1/2.. Or whatever.. It really help keeps me sane and gives them a more enjoyable experience as I am less frustrated over something I didn't explain as well as I thought I might. I also found that having everything labeled REALLY helps. It is easy to be basically speaking a foreign language on the boat to the ears of someone who has never sailed before... You can point at everything and give it a name on the beach, but I don't think it soaks in the same as having it labeled and easy to see when out on the water.


I cut my graphics myself... I bought the wife this little Cricut cutter so she could do some scrapbooking stuff. She just had to have one. I don't think she has ever used it, but I have nearly worn the thing plum out.






Then.. hanging out on the beach if you ever want to keep them guessing, just point out the most important adjustment on the boat..

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www.thehobiewayoflife.com