I don't think I'm gonna be 4-6 hours out on trap so I'm not sure if I'll need a full harness. I just got the Murrays catalog today and there are a lot of harness options. I'm thinking for starters, I'll try the Murray Classic Half Harness for $50. After getting that catalog, I found about $1000 worth of other stuff I want. Damn add-ons are gonna cost me more than the boat.

A couple of more questions if you don't mind:

1. Has anyone tried the Anti-Pitchpole Hydrofoils? Do they work and are they worth the money for a novice.
2. Do you recommend a Jib Roller Furler?
3. What is the best righting system?
4. Do most people use mast floats?

I know it is a lot of questions but I appreciate all the help and advice. I'm learning more and more each day!

Alan

If you're buying the boat from a dealer get all the extra stuff through them. They should cut you a discount on everything.

It is a 1985 model which I got for under $1000.

You scored. Buy good equipment so when you move up to another boat (you will, trust me) you'll already be set.

Alan,
Whoa, whoa, 4 to 6 hours on the lake total, wearing the harness, not all trap time and downwind no trapezeing.
Reply to:
1. I know a 14 sailor who loves the anti-pitchpole thingies (always trying to set speed records) I'd sail without to get the real feel for what can/will happen if you push it too far.
2. Roller furler would require no jib battens or a different jib sail, the convenience doesn't seem worth the bucks.
3. Hawaiian style is our preference.
4. No floats, throw your mast in the lake and check for leaks.

BTW, 1, 2 and 4 aren't class legal for racing. 3 is required. We're planning on chasing you and your wife around some cans.

Alan,
Someone needs to point out ( as it was pointed out to me when I first found this wonderful resource) that this forum is made possible by two wonderful people, Rick and Mary, who also provide us "the online store" where you can get all the catamaraning stuff you need/want. Please try to frequent their store and say thanks. Click on the Catamaran Sailor Icon at the top/left and look on the left for the online store link.

Congrats on finding the Hobie and this website. You'll love both.

Greg

I used the antipitchpole foils for a while, and I believe they performed their task well. After a while I took them off because I felt they were slowing me down.
Greg
H16, H14

Congrats on the new boat.
Check out the local scene:

http://www.div14.hobieclass.com/

Lots of good and helpful info (and people) here. Thank you!

Got to take her out today on her first voyage as the new owner. The winds were very light which was perfect for a new cat sailor. Luckily, there is a great cat community here in OKC and the folks out on cat beach today were great. They are getting the old Hobie fleet up and active again and I'm looking forward to that also. I plan to crew my boat in the upcoming Hobie regatta at the end of the month here in OKC.

This is a great site. I've found all kinds of goodies that I wanna buy. Must convince wife now....

Alan

Alan:

I suggest you try to borrow some harnesses form fellow sailor before you make final decision. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the harness take a serious full at a full that has the lumbar support. You can move it around till you find the right spot. I really like mine and have no sore back anymore that I use to get with the old diaper type from the old days. Have the straps on the legs really takes the pain off the crotch.

Doug and Ashleigh Snell
Hobie 17
Sunfish
Soon to be Mystere 4.3
www.tcdyc.com

Crotchless for comfort, nappy for, ah, survival of the species?

Looks like we're leaning toward the Hobie Convertible. I tried one on this weekend and it was very comfortable.

this may be worthy of a new post but i figured since we are on the topic of trapping... what exactly is the proper technique for hull flying? do you lock the mainsheet or just hold it by hand so you can make small adjustments to everything? and how much should i be able to lean back while trapped out?

I'd leave it uncleated in case you get a puff and start to go over.

Leaning angle depends on how much you're trying to counteract the heeling angle of the boat.

It may be best to get acclimated to the hull flying first and the different ways you can use to keep it flying, ie. mainsheet, steering, hiking out.

[/quote] and how much should i be able to lean back while trapped out? [quote]

Practice this technique while on shore (with helper holding down the boat)and then incorporate with your hull flying. You'll want to be "higher" in the trapeze at first, so you can see everything on the boat and get in and out easier. As you gain experience you may adjust your trapeze lower to gain more leverage.

thanks guys, i guess i need to lengthen the dogbones a little, when i am flyin high, im about vertical on the boat

Adjust to what's comfortable for you. Optimally, the crew should be perpendicular to the boat with the skipper a little above so he/she can see over the crew.

Guys:

I just cleat my main and play the tiller. When hull gets to high head up. To low fall off. Start with angle a little higher till you get use to it. Just takes practice. I won a hull flying contest once. You will get the feel of it with time. It is a lot of fun.

Doug Snell
Hobie 17
www.tcdyc.com

Unless you have biceps and traps like Lou Ferrigno, you're going to have to cleat, and play the tiller, as Doug said... of course to a lesser extent you can use your legs to increase/decrease the extent of your hiking.

In a serious puff you can quickly snap the mainsheet out of the cleat and sheet-out to save yourself. "Don't worry about me, save yourself..." LOL...

Yep, there's somethin' fine about flying a hull uninterrupted for 2 or 3 miles...

well, now that you mention it... i do have some fairly strong arms from the climbing i do.... there have been times when i wasnt really able to uncleat the main in time and i went over, so ill have experiment around a bit, thanks.