Intro to Hobie Cat's

[Alecat]

Hello all,<br /><br /> Ive been looking around for a good place for information, to ask and to read, and looks like I might have found it!<br /><br /> I've been in love with Hobie's ever since I rode one with my uncle... oh...nearly 20 years ago. Just recently have I been able to honestly start looking at them, and have been trying to read up on what it takes to sail them, what size would be best for me and all that jazz.<br /><br /> I was curious if anyone might know a good read on the basics of sailing a Hobie (or if a basic beginers sailboat guide might do). <br /><br />Also, I live here in the middle of Alabama (Two cheers for AL., we dont get enough! ) and the lake I would be useing is (man-made) probably 25mi long, and 1+ miles wide at most points. Does a lake of this build seem like there would be enough wind to have a fun time?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br />Jay J.<br /><br />PS., Ive been looking at a Hobie Cat 16, with wings, think this may be too much to tackle for one person?

 

[LBJ]

Re: Intro to Hobie Cat's

Hello alecat,<br /><br />I have been sailing Hobie's and others for a long time.<br /><br />I own a 16 foot that is over 20 years old and it is what I prefer to sail. My second choice is a little starfish (similar to sunfish). 90 percent of the time I sail alone on a fresh water lake.<br /><br />The 16 could be too much for most people. It depends on your skills and situation. For example, if you are going to trailer the boat, putting up the mast and getting in the water alone would be difficult without help or a real solid plan based on long experience.<br /><br />A single person would have a difficult time getting the boat up after turning over too. On my little lake, an upset down sailboat always draws a crowd so I can rely on the kindness of strangers. Even with their help, getting the boat righted and keeping it there until you get under way takes some skills. It is better to learn righting skills with the help of other sailors and not a clueless motor boat driver.<br /><br />I started on a 14 foot Hobie but it became boring after 3 years and I never sail it anymore.<br /><br />I have no use for the wings. They are comfy but I must make some tacks in a narrow cove to reach the main body of the lake. I barely make it without the wings. I also like to explore around the edges of the lake and the extra width would cause trouble. Now, when I go to the coast and sail for long distances to mysterious places then the wings really help in conserving my energy. At my age, energy conservation has become a bigger factor. Lol.<br /><br />The 16 can really be exciting for a solo sailor and if you stick with sailing then it can be a boat that will last a lifetime. A beginner, alone, would have a frustrating and difficult time with the 16.<br /><br />The best thing I did when starting out was join a Hobie club. I was never without expert advice or crew. I really liked to crew with the experts too. Racing around a course really accellerates your skills too. Otherwise you are meandering about aimlessly.<br /><br />About that Starfish: I have a lot of fun with that little boat. I plop my big butt into the cockpit, tie on my soft cooler and can spend hours not going very far very fast. It is all relative.

 

[tommays]

Re: Intro to Hobie Cat's

i dont care for the 14 ft because the hulls are so small they allow the tramp to dig into the water real easy which is no FUN at all when it stops in about 4 ft<br /><br />the 16 ft and bigger dont have that problem<br /><br /><br />the biggest problem learning basic sailing on one is that they are so fast you dont get much time to decide what to do <br /><br />tommays

 

[LBJ]

Re: Intro to Hobie Cat's

There was a time when I really enjoyed my 14 foot. When the wind was much too strong for solo 16 and just about all other boats, I would take out the 14. The beat against the waves was torture but was worth it for the long run at what felt like incrediable speeds.<br /><br />I had no trouble with the shallow hulls when I was a skinny young pup. A few truckloads of beer later and well . . . I sail the 16.

 

[Mikeomni1]

Re: Intro to Hobie Cat's

Here are a couple of places for good info on cat sailing.<br /> Link 1 <br /><br />and<br /><br /> Link 2<br /> <br />Enjoy and be safe,<br /><br />Mike