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First Catamaran: need some advice
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Author:  drjay44 [ Sun Jun 08, 2014 7:06 am ]
Post subject:  First Catamaran: need some advice

So in a nutshell; 60 years old. 260 pounds. Yup my six pack has become keg but i'm committed to changing all that.

starting my second childhood. lots of mountain biking and surf ski/kayak.

Time for a sailboat.
Experience: rented both dingy (Laser, Sunfish) and catamaran (14 foot, not sure if it was a Hobie) during numerous vacations .
i had been told it was very difficult to tack a cat. my experience was different. Maybe I was lucky?

Anyway, i feel comfortable on the water but know little technical stuff or teminology. I suppose i sort of just figured it out.

i have no desire to race or join a club . just a few hours of sailing each week.

Never sailed with a jib. Can Isolo and handle jib and main?

My boat choice comes down to Laser (Iknow this is a Hobie forum) or a Hobie.

Laser for it's simple rigging and speed (compared to Sunfish). Downside is it is small, cramped and at 260 pounds i may be too big.

That brings me to a Hobie!!

Looking at Wave, T2, Getaway and maybe a 16.

I'm thinking I'm too heavy for a wave. although it looks fast on Youtube I have been told by folks who sail a 16 that it is a "dog". No offense to Wave owners.

The T2 or Getaway seems to fit my bill a bit more. Getaway seems more family oriented. I am thinking the T2 is a bit faster. Solo sailing and looking for a thrill. Yes the 16 would be great but is it too much for me?

On a day with light breeze will the roto mold T2 or Getaway be bogged down due to its less "piercing' hull profile

I will be sailing on a decent size lake 6,000 acres (38 mile shoreline) in North central Florida, so a nice long season.

I will be trailering 40 miles to the lake and using a boat ramp.

Boat ramp has a large floating dock (breakwater?) forming a sort of cove.

http://cfyc.com/PhotoGallery/tabid/60/g ... fault.aspx

Do I paddle out and lash down the oar on the trampoline or sort of flutter the rudders back and forth to make headway?

Maybe use just a jib to get clear and than at the small beach next to ramp set my main?

This is assuming I can sail solo with jib.

Is trailering feasible or are the Hobies more or less meant to stay on the beach?

Oh yes, just across the road is a smaller lake that does not allow trailer parking. i could drop the Hobie from a trailer to a dolly go park truck in the trailer lot, dolly the Hobie to the beach on the smaller lake and beach launch. Yes alot of work but i want to sail !! Smaller lake is less than 1/2 mile across so it may get old quick !!

Lastly, assuming I take the plunge ( no pun intended) approximate rigging time to get out on water? I have heard that in the 16 it can take one person anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Realistically can an efficient sailor get rigged in 30 minutes or less?

I am obviously not sure which boat to choose. Cost is a factor and there are very few used Hobie 16 in my area.

I have tried but cannot find a demo boat of any modle Hobie. Nobody rents them either in my area.

Any help is appreciated.

Author:  ToddE [ Mon Jun 09, 2014 11:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

Well, I can only help with info on the H16. I have two, and my son and I sail them all summer long.
They are light so they are easy to trailer. We trailer ours to the lake, and it is a non issue.
One person can rig them, though you might want some help the first few times.
Many people make a big deal about raising the mast, but of you are reasonably strong you can do it quite easily.
The first few times rigging you might spend an hour getting everything right, but after you have your "system" down, you should be able to have it off the trailer and rigged in 20min or less.
Read all you can about tacking\rigging\raising the mast\righting.
Buy an extendable oar and push it through the center lacing, paddle your way to the wind. They are really fast using a paddle.
Sailing with a jib is not a big deal, read about how to tack, and there is not much too it.
Righting the boat- I am 200lbs and my son is 220, if there is enough wind to tip us over, there is enough wind for us to solo right the boat. Follow the advice here on the forum. In light air 260lbs will probably not put the boat back up without a bag. We don't worry too much, people love to come and help lift the tip of the mast. When we tip on the lake even with few boats out, everyone in sight makes a bee line for the down boat :-)
I would start on the larger lake, you don't want to be worried about the shore on your first few trips out.
The 16 is an awesome solo boat! It is the thrill that keeps us sailing it.
Look and see if there is a hobie fleet nearby, go and talk to the guys, they will get you going, and probably can help you find a boat.

Author:  kevinbatchelor [ Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

Quote:
i had been told it was very difficult to tack a cat. my experience was different. Maybe I was lucky?
Yes a cat does not turn as quickly as a dingy, but it isn't difficult.

Quote:
Never sailed with a jib. Can Isolo and handle jib and main?
Jib will be no problem solo after a few trips. a furling jib makes handling the jib optional and I wouldn't go without one, personally.

Quote:
My boat choice comes down to Laser (Iknow this is a Hobie forum) or a Hobie.
No choice to make here.

Quote:
Looking at Wave, T2, Getaway and maybe a 16.
All good choices.

Quote:
On a day with light breeze will the roto mold T2 or Getaway be bogged down due to its less "piercing' hull profile
Nope.

Quote:
Do I paddle out and lash down the oar on the trampoline or sort of flutter the rudders back and forth to make headway?
Keep a paddle on board you will need it. The getaway has an optional motor mount, I've never used it.

Quote:
Maybe use just a jib to get clear and than at the small beach next to ramp set my main?
I think you will have a difficult time sailing on the jib alone.

Quote:
This is assuming I can sail solo with jib.

Yes you can.

Quote:
Is trailering feasible or are the Hobies more or less meant to stay on the beach?

Trailering is easy

Quote:
Oh yes, just across the road is a smaller lake that does not allow trailer parking. i could drop the Hobie from a trailer to a dolly go park truck in the trailer lot, dolly the Hobie to the beach on the smaller lake and beach launch. Yes alot of work but i want to sail !! Smaller lake is less than 1/2 mile across so it may get old quick !!
possible

Quote:
Lastly, assuming I take the plunge ( no pun intended) approximate rigging time to get out on water? I have heard that in the 16 it can take one person anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Realistically can an efficient sailor get rigged in 30 minutes or less?
My getaway takes me about 24 min trailer to sailing. I've timed it.

Quote:
I am obviously not sure which boat to choose. Cost is a factor and there are very few used Hobie 16 in my area.
This is an on going debate. I've owned 4 different hobie's, all awesome. The Getaway is my favorite even though its a little slower than my 16 was its just more versatile and comfy. It's also much less likely to pitch. I know nothing about the t2, but if you get one, be sure to give us a full report.

Author:  hrtsailor [ Mon Jun 09, 2014 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

I can easily set up my Hobie 16 by myself on the trailer in about 25 minutes. At 260 lbs. I would think you can right the boat alone. If there is a small beach next to the launch ramp, don't try sailing on the jib. Just paddle there and pull it part way up on the beach. Turn it into the wind and raise the sails. If the water is shallow enough, just wade and drag the boat to the beach.

I can't advise you on the choice of boat but I have owned my H 16 for 29 years and have never wanted to switch to anything else. I solo a lot but have carried three additional people. I bought the boat new and have had minimal repair costs for small parts, like rudder cams and shrouds. I bought a used sail about 8 years ago. I have easily gotten by moneys worth.

Author:  dorienc [ Mon Jun 09, 2014 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

I've had a couple of H-17, great solo boat! And now I have a Getaway.

If cost is a factor, you'll not find a cheap T2, since they are brand new. The Getaways aren't that common either. With your size, you can right any Hobie by yourself, so I wouldn't worry about that. At 200#, I can easily right a 17 or Getaway. My neighbor has a 16, and has a water bag he fills to help him right his 16, but he weighs about 150. What I think is, if you do it right (uncleat sheets, turn boat 45 degrees into wind, get your weight waaayyyy back) righting pretty much any boat is easy. If you do it wrong, you can forget it.

Jib? No problem. Hey, if you are sailing alone, look for a H-17 SE (no jib) or H-17 Sport (jib). Fast and fun boats. Light, good for soloing.

Laser? well, yeah, but I think you'll find it sort of small. It is quick to rig, and easy to sail. But nowhere near the performance of a cat, especially at your size. I've sailed them a lot, and they are a little small for my tastes too.

Easy to trailer. Set up, well, your first time may take you a couple of hours. I can rig my Getaway by myself in about half an hour, stepping the mast, putting on the rudders and motor. If I rig the spinnaker, it takes another 15 minutes.

No, you can't "scull" with the rudders and expect to get anywhere. Get a paddle, a real paddle. I bought an "electric paddle" (Torqeedo 1003 motor) because I once had to paddle across the Chesapeake Bay. 5 hours.

Since you are in Florida, I'd look for someplace to rent, and try out the various boats over the summer. See what you like. See if you like it, before you spend the money.

Author:  OldNewb [ Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

Used H16's are less expensive; we went that route. I wouldn't consider the Wave, but I would the T2 or Getaway. The Wave felt fast when we started, then after a summer with the H16, it was ... relaxing. If you can find a dealer demo day, you may be able to try them both out.

As for your site, raise the mast, roll it in the water, paddle around, raise sails, enjoy. We've made much longer paddling treks to get to the water.

Author:  Creative [ Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

T2 or Getaway

Author:  ASDASC [ Wed Jun 11, 2014 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

I am surprised that no one has popped up saying meet me at the dock Thursday night, or something! There are plenty of Hobie sailers in Florida, and I am sure if you talk to the dealer they have a local sailing night that you can attend to check it out.

I have a H16, and solo all the time. I keep it on the beach (Ok it is all muck and mud, but it works like beach) with the mast up and can be on the water in about 15 minutes.

You won't flip it unless you have a enough wind to right it easily. You do need the right technique to lift it up, but that comes during the first experience. Flip in intentionally early on when you have someone with you. Try it with the other person handy, and if you have troubles, it is easy to get up with 2 people. Then just google it and watch youtube videos. The key is to point the boat so the wind helps lift it, then lean WAAAY back until you almost touch the water, then move your weight a little toward the back of the boat.

I love my 16, but you really can't go wrong with any of the Hobies. I have had fun on a Wave, Getaway, 16 and 18, but it is all relative. The Wave was fun until I got passed by a Getaway. The 16 and 18 are a blast, and the 16 is much quicker to rig than an 18, for me anyway.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes! Welcome to the Hobie way of life!

Author:  gary eudy [ Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

A used Hobie 16 is the cheapest easiest fastest solution for your needs. Get a good one with solid hulls and good mast and sails
Former Hobie Admiral Gary

Author:  xanderwess [ Thu Jun 12, 2014 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

Wave. Only choice for a 60 year old 260lb guy. Easy to sail, turn, haul, launch. You'll enjoy every moment of a Wave. Not true on any of the other choices mentioned. Especially for a newbie who just wants to get out hassle free. There is a new Wave convert everyday among our ranks.........
I have a newish 16, a nice 17 and a Wave. ( I am an ex- 14 and 20 guy too......plus I sailed an 18 at NAC in Texas last year) and I love all the boats, but if I could have only ONE it would be the Wave without doubt.
cw

Author:  drjay44 [ Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

xanderwess wrote:
Wave. Only choice for a 60 year old 260lb guy. Easy to sail, turn, haul, launch. You'll enjoy every moment of a Wave. Not true on any of the other choices mentioned. Especially for a newbie who just wants to get out hassle free. There is a new Wave convert everyday among our ranks.........
I have a newish 16, a nice 17 and a Wave. ( I am an ex- 14 and 20 guy too......plus I sailed an 18 at NAC in Texas last year) and I love all the boats, but if I could have only ONE it would be the Wave without doubt.
cw


Appreciate your reply. Why do you recommend the Wave over the H16? I would think since you mention 60 y/0 260 pound guy you would if anything recommended the Getaway as it has wings for us older guys.

I see you have a Wave. Doesn't the Wave get a bit old after having sailed the H16.?

Not sure what the downside is for the H16 and I'd like to know why you think Wave is the answer.

Isn't the 16 pretty easy to rig and sail? I'd imagine lots more exciting.

Author:  John from Tampa [ Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center, of which I'm a member, has Waves, Getaways and a Tiger that you can use, plus monohulls. I sail my 14 turbo from there every weekend and whenever I can during the week.

You didn't say where you are in Florida, so I don't know how far away you are from Tampa Bay. If you are in the area, let me know and you can use the center's boats as my guest. I'll also be glad to share with you my lessons learned the hard way.

Author:  drjay44 [ Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

John from Tampa wrote:
The Clearwater Community Sailing Center, of which I'm a member, has Waves, Getaways and a Tiger that you can use, plus monohulls. I sail my 14 turbo from there every weekend and whenever I can during the week.

You didn't say where you are in Florida, so I don't know how far away you are from Tampa Bay. If you are in the area, let me know and you can use the center's boats as my guest. I'll also be glad to share with you my lessons learned the hard way.


Thanks, John .
PM sent

Jay

Author:  xanderwess [ Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Catamaran: need some advice

Why? Its simple to sail, fast and easy. The 16 can be done solo, but its not super easy especially if you're new to this type of thing.

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