Hobie Cat Forums

That's my point Chris, Toe in or out on both sides will balance out and simply slow the boat, such as when pedaling or sailing with the wind, or in a fast current. Or when you do the "snowplow" on a ski slope (what do you expect from a Hawaiian? )

As much as rotomolding allows, you want to start with square hulls and a neutral rudder.

If BOTH Amas actually point to starboard on Toms boat, that's where the turning drag will always be. Shouldn't really matter which one was in the water or which one was flying. And when they are both in the waterline, the effect is doubled.

Glad you mentioned the Rakas. Even on a beam reach, when we sail using the Hakas, our general goal is to balance the hull and both Amas and keep a clean line in the water. Any Ama deflection is going to have some effect. It's just a matter of degree before it's seen and felt.

BTW, Hobies product shots show an AI with toed-out Amas, and a TI with perfect squares, though they both tend to flex back some under sail.

Tom, I'll go out on a limb here and say that you may be able to measure some slight speed loss under controlled conditions, but I'd be very surprised if you could actually perceive it. Let's face it, these boats are built for fun, not for racing. They're actually not that fast compared to many other sailboats, but they feel fast and that's what we keep coming back for.

NOHUHU, I've noticed that the Hakas are great for flattening the boat out in high winds, particularly on a beam reach, but when the wind drops a bit, there is a tendency for the windward ama to drag in the water if you remain sitting out on the haka.

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Thanks for the comments. What I'd still like to know is, if you have an AI, are your center cross bars square to the hull?

Actually, now you mention it, no.



I had a look at my old 2009 hull and the crossbar is not square either . I've sailed many hundreds of miles and not even realised it! It'll probably drive me crazy now .

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Thanks - this is what I was wanting to know.

It may be obvious (mine is), or you can hook a no-stretch chain in the front eye-bolt and pull it back to the mounting bolt on both the starboard or port side and get an accurate measurement. Again, I'm not trying to split hairs - it's a plastic boat and not a finely machined item or anything.

It may well be that they're all like this. Just trying to find out.

Ignorance is bliss. Go have some fun in your new boat .

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Amen. And ride some Hakas! Even if they point in the wrong direction.

Thanks. I may end up doing just that, but I'm going to hold off a bit longer. Thanks.

Return it for an exchange or refund.

That's certainly an option I'm considering. But it was purchased from a dealer 1000+ miles away so you take the $200 to get it here and another $200 to get back there, and I'm out $400 with nothing to show for it. Still, it's an option and I expect to talk to the dealer sometime this coming week.

I'm still hoping to get more feedback from other owners or even find a few locally to look at, although I think the chances of that happening are pretty slim. I've never seen another one anywhere around these parts.

Makes a good case for buying locally.

I agree. If I could have, I would have. They always get my first shot and got the opportunity to sell me this one. But when they tell me they have to order it, well, I can order it and have it dropped at my front door for the same money without having to travel 20 miles to pick it up. But I'd prefer not to get into a discourse on where to buy from.

You don't have to use the dealer you bought from, any Hobie dealer will (should) be able to help you out. I bought mine in Miami (~300 miles round trip) but use a kayak shop fifteen miles away for any issues. They have been super!

j

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

Thanks. However, I don't think the local shop will refund a purchase I made from another company.

Again, I'll hear back from the dealer this week. No wind here lately so it's not a burning issue at the moment.

I didn't mean a refund, I meant a new hull.

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod