Has anyone ever used a sliding gooseneck on a Prindle? I'm about to upgrade the downhaul on my P-18 and am wondering if its possible, and if there is a Hobie sliding gooseneck that is compatible with the mast.
Any ideas?
Thanks Ryan
Prindle 18

I don't know the answer but I need to replace my P18 down haul as well and I'd like to know what you end up doing. I'm not looking for anything fancy or expensive but the blocks riveted to my mast are shot.

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Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
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The early P-16's had a sliding gooseneck like the H-16's. I am sure you could use one on a P-18, but you would have to remove the fitting on the mast that accepts the mast so the slide can have enough range of movement for the new downhaul to work.. Also I am not sure how it would effect the mast rotation control, but if you are not racing it should not matter.

The sliding gooseneck is not a good idea unless you already have it and then it works a lot better if you add the $6 plastic bearing. A better idea is a simple 6;1 downhaul using a couple triple bullet blocks with s hook on one end to hook into cringle (grommet) of sail. I´ll have them available in April when return from La Paz. Pete 909-800-5237

Are you upgrading in the way of replacing the cheap blocks that came on there from the factory, or increasing the ratio?

If you're looking to increase the ratio, IMPO the down haul on a Prindle 18 is some what mute; that is just set it and forget it with the exception of sailing downwind which is not strong point of sail for this boat. If your looking to de-power you're better off just working the traveler.

Does this boat have a barber hauler? If not your money would be better spent there!

Again just an opinion!



Edited by JohnES on Feb 03, 2011 - 06:04 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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