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Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages
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Author:  tb85105 [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 5:32 am ]
Post subject:  Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

I am in the market for a Hobie 17. The boat I am looking at has a boomlet instead of the full boom.

Is there a disadvantage to using a boomlet when using the boat singlehanded?

I saw someone say on a previous post that you can't sail upwind with a boomlet.

Thank you,
FYI my current boat is a 16 that I have had to 10 years.

Author:  MBounds [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 7:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

With the boomlet, you have no outhaul or mast rotation control.

Depending on what you're looking for, those could be an advantage (simplicity) or disadvantage (loss of some sail control).

The greatest advantage of the boomlet is increased clearance under the sail in a tack. The boom on a 17 is very low.

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

Nothing about the boomlet makes sailing upwind difficult but, the performance may be diminished due to the lost of rotation and outhaul controls.

Author:  fastcat [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

I've sailed a H17Sport for the past 8 years and pointing up wind is no problem. I can out point H16 & H14 and several monohulls. If it is really blowing I just roll up the jib. Down haul is very important. :wink:

Author:  tb85105 [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

Thanks, great information! A boomlet is not a good reason to avoid this boat.
A question on the downhaul with the boomlet, do you need more or less tension for it?

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

Boomlets or booms are not really different when considering downhaul.

Except... the boomlet will make the sail fuller when you sheet out (no boom for outhaul) so, perhaps a bit more downhaul if you want to de-power.

Author:  fastcat [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hobie 17 Boomlet disadvantages

I use a 8:1 downhaul with 2 cam cleats (port and starboard) attached to the rear corners of the tramp (30 ft of 1/4" line). To adjust I set the main sheet tension, then put on enough downhaul to smooth the main, then tweek as needed. You can actually feel the power change in the sail with just minor adjustments. 8)

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