Greetings... I am curious how far into the furler assem. others put their adjuster? i know this effects mast rake and is also adjusted for wind/wave conditions and is also effected by halyard length (and stretch) but would love to hear how others do it.
When I was racing the 18 I would range between the bottom of the chainplate being flush (when I was sailing lighter or heavier winds) with the furler to two holes sticking out (when sailing heavier or lighter winds)
I've always run mine flush or higher. I like the mast to be raked back as I feel its faster to weather and points better. I run a chute so downwind performance from the mast rake doesn't matter as much. Hobie Alter Jr says to rake it back without a chute, he should know.
Thanks for the input!!!! The reason i asked is i am having extreem weatherhelm when i fly da hull' and i wanna fly!!!
check your rudder alignment and pull them under the boat. That should help. Are these race rudders or plastic? Do you have the old style with aluminum cams or the new style with plastic cams? If the weather helm only occurs when one hull is up I suspect alignment issues, assuming the rudder on windward is out as well. Hobie 18 rudder system doesn't allow much adjustment. I installed the Miracle 20 style rudder adjusters, worth the money IMO.
Thanks for the input. I will try raking them under a little.
Plastic... New style (upgraded them this year)
I recently replaced my black plastic rudders with EPO 2s. I bought them used but they were still expensive. The difference is very noticable, much quicker steering, more positive feeling and no more hum.
Don't forget that raking the rudders under the boat does not correct weather helm. It just makes steering easier. I would try to balance the mast rake for slight weather helm and then adjust the rudders to be nearly neutral. Jut my opinion.
I AM SO CORNFUSSED!!!! lol.... hmmm what to do.... i dont have bad weatherhelp except when stunt flying....
PS I wish i read the cape warning before i jumped off the roof!!!!
is the flying the hull weather helm on both tacks?
some hobie 18's actually had a problem with lee helm in the first few years. i believe the design is extremely well balanced helm wise so your problem is most likely in the rudder rake. from experience i can tell you that
excessive mast rake doesn't really help the original TheMightyHobie18 speed wise. that is true in high wind too.