I am currently re-fitting a H17 and was thinking of ordering a square top main and jib from Calvert. I have a few questions and would appreciate any input.
My first question is is the mast rotation control arm used on the boomless? I am going from a SE to a Sport. If it is used, can anyone please discribe the set-up, I know how it is used with the boom, but not without. My thought is that the main sheet is pulling back from the mast so it is not needed.
Also, is the new style boomlet needed primarily because the clew of the sail is behind the rear crossbar and this provides an attachment for the sheet further forward, or can it be eliminated like the N6.0?
Thanks for any input!!
Also
First, you are right that rotation on the 17 Sport is only controled using sheet tension. The boomlet simply allows you to adjust the sheeting point on the foot of the sail and thereby gives you some control over twist in the sail. In my opinion the sport setup compromises control of the sail in favor of making it easier for the crew to get from side to side. If you are going to invest in the square top I suspect you want to be able to adjust it accurately and have control over rotation. The guys at Calvert will be able to guide you here.
My thought was it would be nice to have a boomless cat, and a tri-radial square top boomless should still out perform the stock hobie SE. The guy I talked to at calvert didn't say anything negitive about boomless, he commented that the N6.0 performes very well boomless.
Is the boomless idea a bad choice?
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
P16
H17 in progress
If its any value to you, on my "rigged" 17 I kept the SE boom on there. My gf (crew) can squeeze under there... uhh huh 
I usually sail an SE version. The one time I sailed the sport I couldn't get the main to look right and blamed it on the boomless rig with no rotation control. It could be that I just didn't know how to adjust it properly. Maybe you could go boomless with a Nacra style rotator in front of the mast. If you do get it set up let us know how it works...Dan