How about some tips on blocks and sheets for the Wave? I've raced 16s and 18s for about 15 years and was a Hobie dealer for 8. My memories are of the development of the Harken hex low profile blocks and how sweet that was over standard Lewmar and later Seaway systems.

After 20+ years away from sailing and racing I bought a used Wave. The 4-1 set up with 3/8 sheet and non adjustable cam cleat platform just doesn't get it.

I was considering going to 5-1 which would make it easier for me and my wife. If I do this can I just eliminate one purchase in the system for class racing?

Help and suggestions appreciated.
Gator

Ah, can I ask a question or two before the experts show up?

Your main complaint is that the 4-1 takes too much pull? For that amount of sail? What year boat did you buy? Have you looked at the Wave traveler kit from Hobie?

Got me curious...

4:1 is all you need and if you ever race it, that is what the class rules require (at least 4:1). Many sailors go to 2:1 in light air.

3/8" sheet is too heavy. Most of us are using 1/4" (6mm)sheet. The best sheet is called SALSA. It is very comfortable on the hands, runs through blocks easily and never knots up on the deck. And the price is very reasonable. Sometimes the ladies like 5/16" (8mm) but you never would want 3/8" as it does not run through the blocks easily.
Check it out https://store.catsailor.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=15783

The original equipment for the Wave has a lower block with cleat only. In heavy air the load on the block makes it difficult to release in puffs.
Recommended is the Harken small fiddle w/ratchet, becket and cleat:
https://store.catsailor.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=9243
You can turn on the ratchet for heavy air and turn it off for light air.
Good luck,
Rick

Rick, Thanks. Ouch at the price, been a long time since I've been parts shopping.

The previous post asks about a traveler. The class rules as posted don't allow a traveler, has that changed? Getting back into racing has been at the back of my mind so I don't want to add "illegal" systems.

I bought a Wave Classic that has spent a long time on garage racks so it is in excellent shape. If I deciede to get into racing is the Club the way to go? I assume the laced tramp makes the boat a lot stiffer. Can you add the tramp tracks to the hull and convert to a Club or would I be better off just having fun and if the urge to race returns sell the bot and buy a Club?

I suppose my mainsheet question comes from sailing two times since getting the boat. One time out of Key Largo and the other on a local lake. Both times it was blowing 20+ so the main was troublesome for me. On the other hand it sure convinced me the return to small boat sailing is better on the cat than some day sailor.

Thanks again for you help.
Gator

Patrick Green just won the Wave Midwest Championship sailing Classic, so I don't think the tramp will hurt your racing chances.

The classic has won many, many regattas. Kathy Kulkoski won the Open Nationals on a flexible flyer. That thing racked like nothing you have ever seen.., and she flat flew.

Don't know why the Ouch! on the line. Before I discovered SALSA, I was using Warpspeed (4 times more per foot).

The lower block is a bit up there, but I find it worthwhile. Many just stay with the stock block, but it makes it difficult to uncleat in heavy air.

Rick

Thanks again. The "ouch" refers to looking at the Harken catalog and today's prices, just a reaction not a complaint. I've been away from Hobie racing since 1984 so it is kind of 2008 sticker shock. We were also the Hobie dealer in Gainesville (The SailShop) for 8 years.

My first H-16 (#94) had Lewmar laminate blocks and a 4-1 mainsheet system. I learned Hobies during a time when I sawed up Seaway blocks, the ones with hollow rivets, and built my own low profile systems then filed down the back of mast sockets and screwed bolts in for front stops. And shimmed out upper gudgeons to kick the rudders under the hull. Broke a bunch of the ABS rudder blades until better ones came out.

I lived in Puerto Rico then and never knew anything but Trade Winds.

I was tempted to buy a day sailor but remembered that I always wondered why people sailed them as my Hobie flew by. So far I'm loving the Wave with the mainsheet block my only frustration. I'll get the Harken fiddle for sure and see how it goes.

My wife has always been my crew but her enthusiasm is not as strong as mine. She says she can always fall back to good mempories, some trophies and her Xrays for reminders. Should the Wave refire her sailing we'll see, maybe a second Wave or 2 person boat.
Gator