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Hooter Prep
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=42131
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Author:  wattfarm [ Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:58 am ]
Post subject:  Hooter Prep

I know many wave owners are interested in Rick White's hooter system. I have one ordered and have begun preping the boat. You need access ports in each hull for attaching backing plates for mounting the turning blocks. Use the 5 inch curved hatch cover kit from hobie #5351. I centered them between the transom and rear cross beam. I cut the holes in the hull with a jig saw and finished the fit with a round coarse file. You will get a good feel for the toughness of the hull material. The kit comes with plastic screws which I suspect might fail in the future but I used them anyway. They get stripped while going through the hull causing a poor fit for the backing nuts. Also check the drill bit size with the plastic scews as the instructions call for 1/8" holes which are too small.
I will provide more info once the rest of my order arrives and is installed.

2/25/2016-I ended up mounting the blocks directly on the rear cross beam. The access ports came in very handy anyways.
Image

Author:  Norm742 [ Sat Apr 14, 2012 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Great!
I'm following with interest! I'm also curious as to how it may change the sailing dynamics.

There is a recent youtube post where someone from Argentina fitted a similar system. It looks like it makes the Wave scream. A couple of gusts hit and each time the boat appears to veer away from the wind until the skipper is able to regain control and place the craft on its previous heading. Looks like fun though.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=latmypwb0wY&feature=relmfu[/youtube]

Author:  wattfarm [ Sun Apr 15, 2012 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Sure looks like a hooter. I have received the sail and it is almost as big as the main. I sense the righting line will get some use this season.

I replaced the backrest scews with quick pins in case I need to hike out more to hold the hull down. I got that "look" from my wife when I told her this. And she is right, I'll probably just furl the hooter and wimper around the lake with just the main when the wind picks up.

Edit 2/25/16 No wimpering allowed. Sailing with this Hooter system quickly advanced my sailing skills and I looked forward to the wind picking up.

Author:  wattfarm [ Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

I have my complete hooter system. The kit contains all high quality components. The system is not just for Waves so installation hardware(rivets, screws, washers,nuts, bolts, etc) are dependent on what boat you have and are not included. I spent about $12 for my stainless hardware. The system is designed to be removed easily and now uses just ropes to hold down the bow sprit (used to be combo wire/rope). Rick White answers any questions. I know $2k seems like a lot but if you ordered these items along with the custom calvert sail you would spend close to that.

Edit 2/25/16 The system held up well for the 2 years I had the boat. About 40 days of sailing each year on Lake Erie is a good test for any equipment.

Author:  Norm742 [ Sun Apr 22, 2012 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Great!

So when are the sea trials? Photos?

Author:  wattfarm [ Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Lake Erie is 47F and we have a winter storm occuring as I speak. Might be a while before I'm on the water. Have never sent a picture to a forum before but will try if I do any "lawn sailing".

Author:  Mugrace72 [ Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

wattfarm wrote:
I know many wave owners are interested in Rick White's hooter system.


Here is mine. I just got it all rigged yesterday and will try it out this weekend.

The Mug Race is next Saturday...48 miles. Palatka to Jacksonville, Florida.

Image

Image

Author:  goldenshellback [ Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Wow! That might just sprout wings and fly! That is going to be a lot of fun.

Author:  IndyWave [ Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Here's my latest one:
Image

I've added control lines so I can pop it open or collapse it from the back of the boat.

It works well, but only in light air. Too much and it inverts.

(Sorry for the over-sized photo, I didn't realize it was so big!)

Author:  wattfarm [ Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Hey Mugrace, where did you mount your turning blocks? I can't see them in your photo.

Author:  metsche [ Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Hi guys,
Also thinking to buy a hooter for my Hobie. Please answer one question:
Is it correct, that the forestay stays at his normal place and you have to roll in the hooter each time you want to gybe or tack??

Thanks and greetings, Metsche

Author:  Mugrace72 [ Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

wattfarm wrote:
Hey Mugrace, where did you mount your turning blocks? I can't see them in your photo.


I have ratchet blocks on the chain plates.

Jack

Author:  Mugrace72 [ Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

metsche wrote:
Hi guys,
Please answer one question:
Is it correct, that the forestay stays at his normal place and you have to roll in the hooter each time you want to gybe or tack??


Not true. You can tack or jibe just like any other cat with a spinnaker.

Jack

Author:  wattfarm [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 5:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

Thanks Jack, the chain plates seem like a good fit for the turning blocks. Everything up front and out of the way. Also would negate the need to install hatches. Were you able to properly trim the hooter at all points of sail?

Rick

Author:  Mugrace72 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hooter Prep

wattfarm wrote:
Thanks Jack, the chain plates seem like a good fit for the turning blocks. Everything up front and out of the way. Also would negate the need to install hatches. Were you able to properly trim the hooter at all points of sail?

Rick



I had it made specifically for that sheet location.

First I decided on pole length (10'), then set up the other dimensions. The sailmaker's computer can adjust the leech and foot so that the proper sheet angle is wherever you want it...in this case, the chainplate. We considered the two screw holes on the outside of the hull, but I didn't want that much overlap.

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