Recently bought a '76 Turbo-14 and have a raft of questions.
1. Holding up the mast
We erected the mast on the trailer and have questions about securing it. We initially had it supported by 4 wires: the two that are supposed to hold it up and the two wires that I now know are the trapeze wires. When we raised the sail, a gust of light wind caught it and pulled the mast over. Luckily, we were right there to catch it. But how is the mast secured in the upright position? Just by two wires that attach to the pontoons a little aft of the mast? Seems that if two wires went to the fore cleats it would be more secure.


2. The jib furler appears to string between the two fore cleats on the pontoons. There is an indentation in the bottom of the furler that makes it look like it is supposed to sit in some gear, but I can't see this on any pictures. Where does the aft end of the jib tie down?

3. The two trapeze wires appear to hang down from the mast. The wires end in a toggle handle and then a ring-connected to another ring. HOw does this work? I d/l the jib rigging guide, but this is unclear.

4. If I use the spinaker, do I install it like the jib with the furler?

5. Should pulling on the cord furl or unfurl the jib?

Thanks!
Greg

tobin@bmi-md.com

I know we have some experienced H14 sailors here so I hope they will jump in. It sounds like you have started your catamaran sailing career with no local help. Where are you located? We might find you someone close by. Fill in your profile ( link in main menu ) to let us know a little about you.

I'm glad you didn't drop the mast on your heads or your car! The mast is held up by three wires, the two side shrouds and the forestay. The forestay attaches to twin wires called the bridle, on the Turbo, these run from the furler down to the bows.

If you've already got the rigging guide, that much should be clear. Maybe some pictures would help. Here is an tuning tips article by a Hobie 14 champion. Since you are just starting out, you might want to rig the boat as a standard 14 and deal with the jib and (especially) the spinnaker later.

Hobie 14 Tips Article

Hobie 14 Rigging Pictures

Rigging the Hobie 14 Spinnaker

Good luck and come back with any questions!

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Damon Linkous
Owner, TheBeachcats.com
Hobie 18 Magnum
Memphis, TN
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