Morning Folks:

I have been thinking about putting wings on a Hobie 18'; however, I wondered how often folks get injured crashing into the front or back of the metal pipes that comprise the wings? Has anybody tried padding the aluminum pipes (like using black foam pipe insulation) to cut down on the risk of injuries....and also to make the pipes more comfortable to lean against, hike off of, and sit on. (BTW, I suspect that I will need to make the mesh coverings slightly larger to accomodate the "Padding" on both sides of the rail.)

Let me know your thoughts, particularly if you have been able to pad your wings!

Thanks,

Poor Paul

its not like people are running around in circles on the tramp. I don't think I've ever "injured" myself on anything having to do with the wings, surely not enough to warrant spending time and money making the boat heavier and increasing the windage.

I sailed a 18sx for a couple years and never had a problem,,,except for the time I was going down wind and was leaning up against the port wing and had an accidental jibe..not the thing to do,,,flipped, I was solo and couldnt rite it,,,good thing a monohull was in the area and helped me,,,DOHHH

I sailed a H-21SE for many years and never had anything but love for the wings. You don't have to pad them, they are good to go!

they are also great for tying ice chests to..

Wings are wonderful, you don't need to do anything to them.

Thanks for the all of the great feedback. I will plan on leaving them as they are for now.