Hobie Cat Forums

Newbie and just got my boat. Was just wondering how the boat sails ? Thanks

They sail awesome, try out a sail kit and see for yourself!

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Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobiecat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

I've sailed mine and it's a lot of fun.

Interestingly , you'll find that straight downwind is the slowest course. Get a good sailing book and read up on points of sail and how trim the sail for best results. The PA is wide enough that with the standard sail you won't likely tip it. It's great for learning the basics.

I've packed away my Hobie catalogues for a move, but how much is the small sail kit? It was around 325 right? Sounds like it would be a blast.

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Arctic Mermaid
Life is just one big Exploration. Enjoy!

I have wondered about trying a sail to help me get out and back from the trolling grounds on northern Lake Michigan. A few questions, though:
1) What do you do with the sail once you get onsite? Seems like furling it and leaving the mast up would make it difficult to play a frisky salmon when he turns the PA and starts to pull you around from the bow. But pulling the mast and stowing the furled rig along the gunwale would put it in the way of everything else.
2) How does the PA handle under sail in 2-3 ft rolling waves?
3) How much wind is too much for the un-stayed mast? Seems like a gust could seriously damage the hull or deck near the mast base fitting.

I dont suppose you can tac with the sail??

The sail is best suited for calm days - of 4 - 12 mph winds - I'd say on a PA you can easily handle the top end of the sails range thanks to the boats extreme width.
Tacking is a breeze since you always have the Mirage drive to help you power through... and the question about what to do with it while fishing - you can take it down and roll it up and lash it down to the side of the boat (on our kayak it is easy with the paddle holders) but on the PA I'm guessing you'd need to shove it under the storage compartment bungees. I'm sure there's a way, I've just never done it before myself.

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobiecat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

I rigged a furling device to mine so if I want I can just furl the sail and leave it all in place while I do other things.