More mainsail questions

Hi, I recently got an 18 to sit next to my 16 and I cannot get the mainsail to hook at the top. I was reading the thread below but my halyard comes out of the bottom of the mast, so I am not following the advice about putting the halyard to port or starboard as I have no control over this. Any advice appreciated.

Once the sail is up you have to rotate the mast to either port or starboard to get the ring to seat on the hook that is on the top of the mast, I think you rotate it to the port to lock, not sure, you have a 50/50 shot at it!


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com<------new site!
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Division 15 Chairman
Panama City Beach, FL
[email protected]
850-235-2281

Facing the mast from the front, make sure the shackle that hooks to your main has the thumbpiece on the right hand. Most 18's that I've seen have this. The main halyard knot will be on the outside when you do this in this way and your main will hook up easier. If it does not hook, rotate the mast until it hooks.

Kool . I have got it under control.

Check this post about Hoisting sails:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=371

From our FAQ section.

Locking the Hobie 17/18/20/21 Halyard:

It is best to simulate the halyard locking with the mast down so you clearly understand the system. Then, depending on how old the boat is, be sure the hook does not have the old "flopper" stainless piece hanging on the hook. This old device caused difficulty in raising and hooking but would make it easier to release and lower. Also, be sure that the knot tied to the ring is very low profile. A long bowline knot will hit the mast head before the ring gets to the hook. If the ring has a small loop at the top... The line should be passed through the loop and a small knot tied. The knot (when ring and shackle are afixed to the sail) should be facing the mast. This tilts the ring closer to the mast. Then (before attaching halyard shackle to the sail) spin the haylard 3 or 4 times clockwise (looking down on the shackle). This "pre-loads" the halyard line and causes the ring to swing back towards the hook. Keep the boat into the wind and hoist. Should lock easily. To release... fully release the downhaul and outhaul. Partially feed the sail up the luff track. Hoist with the halyard to the top till it stops, hold... rotate the aft of the mast base to starboard, hold the mast rotated, ease the halyard a few feet before releasing the mast. Lower the sail.

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

I am new to the forum and posted before I realized there was a faq section. I ended up reading that thread and it was very helpful. I have sinced sailed the 18 several times with no mainsail problems. Glad I found the forum and look foward to contributing