I wanted to ask a question about the Hooter for the Wave. Maybe this needs to be directly at Rick or Mary.

How does the Wave ‘handle’ with the Hooter? Does it have a tendency to pitchpole going down wind? Are there any issues with the Wave being able to handle that much sail up front (breakage issues)?

I am just trying to gather some facts. My teenagers think the boat is great but they keep comparing its performance to the Inter 18. Hence, my brain is thinking Hooter for those times when we want to scream.

Thank you,
Bob Klein

Bob:

Ask Rick. He has kicked &*&*&(* with this setup. He will have to tell you about pitchpoles. Here is the link for kit. We are making a trip to Fort Walton to get 4.3 on June 16th at the Great Bay Race. Want to caravan?

http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jmnrkomnk0

Doug and Ashleigh

First, go to www.waveclass.com and then click on Super Wave. There you can see the set up.
However, I am working on another sail plan layout that will give it a nice big, roller-furling Hooter, and a good-sized jib that is also roller furling and self-tacking.
I used it last year in the Sandusky Steeplechase and was staying with a Hobie 20 until the bow sprit exploded. Back to the drawing board.
I have a newer, beefier pole now and should be able to get it together this summer. Already have the sails

On the present Hooter System for the Wave I have never even came close to pitchpoling. And if I did, so what? Piece of cake to right.

Keep in mind that a spin or Hooter actually provides lift to the bow. Pitchpoles are more likely to happen in heavy air with just a main.

Good example, in the Miami-Key Largo Race many moons ago we tried an experiment. A friend had one of those trimarans made in Minn., Tremolino, I believe, that used H16 hulls as amas. It was a real dog and very heavy.
So, I loaned him my 38' mast off my Supercat Tall Rig and tried to race it.
One of the crew guys was always high on something or other. and sure enough he screwed up the spin halyard and we dropped the sail in the water and went shrimping.

Up until then the boat was fast with the spin downwind and was very controlable. As soon as the spin was no longer working we could not keep the bow from diving. We had to take down the sail.
The spinnaker had that much lift effect. As does the Hooter.
Rick

Doug;

I have read the accounts of how fast the Wave flies with the Hooter in one of Rick's posts. I just need to know what sort of wear-and-tear the rig puts on the Wave. It's my wife's boat and I don't think she wants me busting it.

I'll be in at the U. Missouri at that given time of June doing some research crap (I mean, research experiments). Good luck with the regatta.

bob

Bob:

Send Rick a email. He is real good at getting back to you. Answered every question I have ever asked.

Doug

Bob,
There should be no trouble for the boat, however, you need to get the spreader bar for the bows. When first doing R&D I did not and the bows started heading toward each other, so I dropped the sail.
They came back to shape after a day or so and it seemed faster as a Wave one-design.

We have that pole and assembly parts in our store. I will find it for you and let you know.
Rick

The Spreader Pole is on or site at http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jniseqipq0

The Hooter System is at
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jmnrkomnk0

Rick

Thanks Rick, I appreciate the information.

I talked to Trish about the Hooter for her boat and she did not say 'no'. Her interest is to get proficient with tacks, jibes, and all the other basic boat handling skills before I mess with her Wave. She is receptive to adding the Hooter but wants this first season with just the stock Wave.

I'll print off the information on your site dealing with the Hooter so she can read it. My son was most impressed (but it is not his boat). The part I really like is the roller furling aspect of the Hooter---great for launching and retrieving.

Right, the furler makes it so easy. When rounding the A Mark, I just release the retrieval line just before I get there. While I am easing the main, turning down and reaching for the Hooter sheet it has already started to unfurl. This allows me to have the sail trimmed and hauling butt within two boat lengths.

For the leeward mark, I try to approach on starboard for the inside room and right of way for a tactical mark rounding. I can usually carry the Hooter to within two boat lengths and furl just as I am about to jibe for the mark rounding. It just snaps in with the 1:2 purchase retrieval line.

Tell Trish to get proficient and then come to Wave Week. Starts off on Sunday evening with a WAVE ONLY sailing seminar Sun-Wed, then practice races on Thursday and Nationals Fri-Sun.
Great fun and while there are some hot shots, there are sailors of every age and ability.., we have trophies for Open, Masters, Youth, Women.
And this year we have a great, new location -- we will be sailing out of Upper Keys Sailing Club,

Hope to see your smiling faces by then.

Looks like, Bob, you may have to get your own Wave for your son and you. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Rick

Rick, you raised a question that is a running debate in our household. That being; what boat do I get next? Trish has her Wave but next year I want to replace the Inter 18 (which I sold). I have asked this question before of Rick but here goes again. I think I want either a F16 or another Wave. Here is my logic and why I am torn.

First, I love the simplicity of the Wave, the ease of rigging, and I love sailing her. However, my daughter misses hiking out on the bigger catamaran and my son really was not happy that I sold the Inter 18—he liked the whole concept of that type of catamaran.

So, do I get a F16 like the Blade? The logic for the F16 is that it is lighter than the Inter 18, the sail area is smaller, it can be sailed with just the main, and it is fast. I want the ability to sail with my daughter where she is crewing for me or vis versa (that father and daughter bonding thing is important to me). I am trying to get on a F16 this summer to see what that class of boats is all about.

I am just curious of what y’all think. Two Wave family, or one Wave and a Blade? It seems that many people who sail Waves also sail other boat classes. Therefore, I value your opinions.

Thanks

Bob
p.s I know most of this can be answered once I sail a Taipan or a Blade. It's just a boring, rainy evening at home and hence, I have made this post.