If you are really new to Hobies, the best thing to do is find someone that sails Hobies and ask them to look over your boat and to sail with them once or twice. Most folks will be thrilled to help! This site (and others) are very helpful,especially with a detailed question. But one sail outing with an experienced sailor, will save you asking a thousand questions here and having to wait for the answers to trickle in. I helped some new folks out last year, and they were SO THANKFUL that I felt embarrased. It was just another fun sail for me, and it was thrilling to see the look on faces that experienced the Hobie speed for the first time.