Whoohooo... (Hobie 16)

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 30, 2013

Rgranger

It would be a hoot on SML as I use to do it there too. I sold Nacra at one point. Now I enjoy sailing either a Hobie 14 or 16 at Goshen Scout Camp and when teaching the Scouts, we have a blast.

crazy dave condon

Merlin Clark · Jul 30, 2013

A friend introduced me to sailing on a Hobie 16 and then I owned a Boston Whaler Supercat 17 years later.
Just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

MrBill_FLL · Jul 30, 2013

I had a hobie 16, for about 5 years.

great boats,fun fast, but if I had it to do over, I get the Prindle 16, as its a better boat IMHO. (but I didn't have those outriggers like your pic).

when you get to the 18's that's a harder pick... probably go with the H18. for the outriggers and the fleet size.

*The most important thing to know is you don't release the jib when tacking, until they back wind and push the bow through the wind. -otherwise you get in irons....

#2 is you need about 300# or a water bag to right one...

Scott T-Bird · Jul 30, 2013

I sold my Hobie 16 back in the early 90's to buy windsurfing equipment. Usually sailing to the limit, we often pitchpoled and capsized, if not involved in a race. Flying into the rigging at close to 20 mph was often not a pretty sight and blood was drawn. We tended to keep the boat sailing flatter during regattas. Although I sailed primarily on a small lake, riding waves into the beach on Lake Michigan was a lot of fun when we had the opportunity. The biggest drawback for me with this boat is that I would sail in any condition and capsize frequently. Sailing solo was a problem because it couldn't be righted alone ... it took 2. 2 males was adequate but if it was me and a female it could be sketchy. In those days, I tipped the scales at just 175. The mast would have to be pointed into the wind, and then you have to catch the windward hull quickly enough to keep it from flipping over again. It often took a few efforts if the wind was strong enough to flip an unmanned boat, even with the sheets loosened!

I would sail it alone but be careful ... and wear a wetsuit if the water was cold enough. It would be madness, not to. I could often get help to right it on our lake or pull it close enough to shore, but often with a lot of time in the water.

Lake Hopatcong YC has one of the largest fleets of A-class catamarans anywhere and they are a regular site on the lake during weekend races. These are single-handed cats with a single sail. I would be tempted to get involved with these ...

http://www.usaca.info/index.php?opt...catid=7:a-class-catamarans-for-sale&Itemid=20

this ad is for an A-class Cat on LH.

Cwoody · Jul 30, 2013

Great picture.

I raced Hobies (14, 16, 17, 18, 20) for 30 years. Flying a Hobie 16 w/wings single handed is no easy task.

I am heading down to Pensacola in January. What rental company did you used?

Lots of Hobies available once you get serious:
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/cgi...--&hull=---&view_records=+Show+Matching+Boats+

CalebD · Jul 30, 2013

Just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

I'd agree with that statement. Next to windsurfing naked it is a blast, and I have windsurfed naked. It was a naked lake; what else was I supposed to do?

Merlin Clark · Jul 30, 2013

CalebD said:
Just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

I'd agree with that statement. Next to windsurfing naked it is a blast, and I have windsurfed naked. It was a naked lake; what else was I supposed to do?

Haha! That's right, we need to respect local customs!

Jim Seamans · Jul 30, 2013

Back about 50yrs ago, they rented Sunfish. That's were I learned to sail. Pensacola is my boyhood home....The beach is where is first got..... won't go there....

Oblivionboyj · Jul 30, 2013

It's funny that this thread came up...
I am working in Stuart, FL next week and will have 2 half days free to charter a small boat.
I figured I would use the opportunity to get to know a Hobie Wave

Allan12210 · Jul 30, 2013

rgranger said:
If you cross the bridge from Gulf Breeze... it is the rental place right next to Hooters..

There's things next to Hooters? Any Hooters?

teebutch · Jul 30, 2013

rgranger said:
If you cross the bridge from Gulf Breeze... it is the rental place right next to Hooters..

This would be Bonifay Watersports.

I had two hobie 16's and a 18 with wings.

thinwater · Jul 31, 2013

Actually, it takes little wind to fly a hull if you want to, either for the fun or the additional speed and weatherlyness that come with one hull out and increase draft.
* slide the crew to leeward (or leave them on the beach).
* slide the skipper to leeward, then back to windward as she lifts.
* trim the heel primarily by feathering, since sheeting in-out is difficult single-handed.

In light winds flying higher is more stable, though slower. Fun.

Jim Seamans · Jul 31, 2013

be careful flying, many years ago my wife was out on the trapeze while flying. Wind quit and she got slammed into the boom and broke a couple of ribs. Another time we dug in the lee pontoon and flipped at about 10kts or less. j
Otherwise it is a blast, rush....

shemandr · Jul 31, 2013

Jim Seamans said:
be careful flying, many years ago my wife was out on the trapeze while flying. Wind quit and she got slammed into the boom and broke a couple of ribs. Another time we dug in the lee pontoon and flipped at about 10kts or less. j
Otherwise it is a blast, rush....

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln ….

seadaddler · Jul 31, 2013

27

I have a photo just like that of me on my Hobie 18 or 16 but that was many years ago and so young too.
Now 20 foot more of boat and still love sailing and glad some one offered to take me on his Hobie 16 and went out and purchased one that next week and had the best fun with my kids and friends I will always remember.
Nick