I'm trying to figure out how to install homemade system for a spinnaker on my hobie 16. How long is the spinnaker pole bridle, and is the spinnaker pole attached to the bridle that's already in the rigging.

I know it's been done, but you may want to rethink putting a spin on a H16.

I've seen a lot of European H16 with spins on them.......so it must be an exciting experience.......something in me is saying that it could be too much sail though when the wind really begins to pick up.

Try this link out to Beachcats........not sure if this is what you are looking for.......i think it said H16 spin kit on an H14.

http://www.thebeachcats.com/modules.php?...=view_album.php

I have sailed a H-16 with a spinnaker about 15 times in winds to 18 knots with gusts to the low 20s and I was surprised that I never pitchpoled. If you have a H16, it would be a good way to get into spin sailing. My son mailed the kit to the Rabons in New Jersey . He will represent the US in the youth worlds in July. I'm no expert but length of the spin pole bridle is relative in that you need downward prebend in the spin pole so that it does not bend past horizontal with the spin flying. Also tie the spin pole to the underside of the forstay bridle.

Check out this Youtube, H 16 w/ spin video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBSczGxorzo&NR=1

the H16 spinny pole is very long, this means that the luff of the sail angles up and gives the bow lots of LIFT. I think that the youth guys around me could sail downwind in any wind strength - the problems come at the corners when they slow down! so typically, they can handle top end of a force 5 without too much trouble.
Its a good addition to the boat and i am amazed at how head in the sand the world 16 class is about the spinny kit.
i can go down the garden and measure any bits of my sons 16 spinny kit that you like

Paul

the pole measures 3190mm from front beam to center of tack block fitting. the pole is tied up under the forestay bridle with about a 50mm gap. The bridles are tensioned enough to the hull bow tangs to give a bit of pre-bend in the pole.
get a decent spinaker or you will just heel over and go sideways
paul

Can't help you directly, but GO FOR IT! My boat pitch poles very easily under spinnaker, so will yours. But, it's worth it! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pete:

Surprisingly my 4.3 is very forgiving. Just release some sheet or head down and up it pops up. MAYBE I just haven't pushed it hard enough?

Doug

I have a spi an my H16 and it is indeed very exciting. You have a new boat downwind. If the boat is an older built it is advisable to strengthen the bows a little, the noses just like to brake under the higher loads. For the sailing itself, the kite does not like too much halyard tension, just leave it floppy. Footstraps might be a good idea also.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have tried many spinnies on my H16, single handing and 2 up. It transforms the boat. The best kite I have foubd for it is the old F18 21 sq mt. The kite has an 8 mtr luff. It works best with a 3mtr pole. (windsurf mast fits just well)Turn the boat on its side and fix the pole. Then attach the kite to the tack of the pole. Take the head of the kite up the mast and set your pulley at the appropraaite place, just tight so you can adjust it from the boat. (Make sure you have the forestay very tight first). You will rarely pitchpole. You will be as faster than most other boats downwind. If you stick the nose in DO NOT let go of the kite sheet or the main sheet. Just wait and it wil pop up. Have fun!

Is this the document you need ?
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/40998010.pdf

Always go for the snuffer/chute in a H16. the tramp bag is a pain when combined with the low boom on the H16.
Also, it allows the crew to stand further back on the drop, which can be hairiest time in blow!

P