I have merlin 3543 'stormcloud' and it seems to have a very high mainsheet hoop which means that I don't seem to be able to get much rake on.  How tall are the hoops on the new boats? Alex

I was told a couple of years ago the length of the legs was 960mm with 300mm width at the top - from one supplier.  Ours measured very close to this, but was still too high imho, so I took off 100mm from the top and had a new cross bar welded in - cost about 15 for the bar, about the same for the welding.  Ours is 3548 a wooden Thin Ice - so floor curvature might be different - sheerline etc etc.

It seems to have a reasonable amount of rake now in all but max rake conditions with the kicker of full as well. Limbo dancing through the tacks! From what I observe thats not uncommon. I was reluctant to take more off as it starts pulling more down than across on zero rake. 

hth.

I had 3543. Still the best hoop i've ever used!

I'd be more inclined to fit another cringle above the outhaul to lift the boom when it's windy.

Our dacron sails had the same thing done to them when we got her, we just opted for a different solution, thinking the same mod might have been tricky in mylar.

Can't believe that you gadget boys don't have variable height hoops tied into the raking rig string.