OK, Im looking for open minded opinions and conversation.
Im in the thinking stages of this potential modification.
I have an Bimare 18HT and if you have followed the 18HT thread you would have read that Im contemplating making an 18 sq out it. Thats not the question here though.

A question that has come to mind is widening the beam or using wings and staying with the stock width?

There are good and bad points for both:
Widening: trailering, loss of stiffness, changing all rigging,
Wings: what type??? weight, waves hitting, boat could be returned to stock quickly.

The widening isn't too complicated. New beams, rigging etc make it work.

But wings? Which type? I wouldn't be concerned about long distance comfort.

I've seen the "hiking bars" on Hobies over seas. They don't seem like they would add much to performance. I could be wrong. They look very easy to rig though.

Aussie 18 Skiff style/ Why not a condensed version?

The Hobie 21,18Sx seem to big, heavy etc.
(put a set on a 6.0 years ago. When the wind was up they were great. Not so good in light air too heavy, broke a mast - pre NA mast)


The original H 17 or 18 wings smaller, lighter have some potential.

Why haven't wings become more popular in the US?
Obviously not for every boat or class but?
So, lets hear it, about wings, hiking bars etc, that is.