I have the first FX One cats in Hawaii. Owned a couple of 18's and still own a Hobie 20'. My problem is the hook that is attached to the main headboard just doesn't seem to lock into the hole at the top of the mast. It's even more difficult to douse the sail. I like the boat, but, I am frustrated, and, a couple of the other sailors have looked at it, and don't know either. Any Hobie 17 FX One sailors out there? Aloha.
You should try the Hobie Forum. You'll get a lot more info faster.
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/
The knot goes on the opposite side as the hook as it goes up the mast. When it gets to the top give it a little extra umph to make sure it is all the way up. Then over rotate the mast to one side or the other. You'll find the system (which side the knot goes on, which way to rotate the mast) after a few tries. It's funny but sometimes it goes in fine with just a pull up the mast.
Great Boat!!
Thx, 1616...
AFAIK the FX-1 sail hooks in the same as the Tiger. I have seen a new sail with a bent top hook which makes it impossible to hook on the mast. Assuming that is not the case, here is the technique I use:
1: Pass the halyard thru the hole from starboard to port & Tie off.
2. Raise the sail (have the boat ever so slightly on port tack)
3. Rotate the mast anti-clockwise (Spanner to Starboard) & pull firmly on the luff.
To remove, pop the hook off the top and rotate the mast clockwise (Spanner to port) and once again pull on the luff.
Good luck!
Tiger Mike