I used to own a Hobie 18 before moving overseas for 10 years. Recently I went out with a friend on his 18 and experienced the same old thrill of sailing so fast <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />, but also the usual irritation at having to always keep such a good eye on the bows. Call me a wimp, but I really hate pitchpoling! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Do you have any thoughts on which beach cats in the 16-20 foot range have the best pitchpoling resistance?

I sail in sometimes fairly rough conditions on the San Francisco Bay and in the ocean off of Santa Cruz, usually with a crew weight of about 350 lbs.

As a start, the owner of the Hobie 18 did claim that the Nacra Inter 20 was much better in this regard.

Thanks for any inputs!

The cats fitted with T-foil rudders; you can't beat that.

Otherwise the longer the hull the slower the pitchpole dive. They still pitchpole but in a more relaxed way.

Wouter

You will probably find this subject covered earlier on this forum. Volume in hulls, hull length and sail area are important factors. In my mind Hobies are among the worst and Infusion the best. That's why I have one since sea is ruff here too. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Length, hull volume and T foils !

I've sailed boats at 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 feet.

My Stealth F16 with T foils is VERY stable, never had any issues with pitchpoling; Stuffed it in a few times but not (yet) pitched it in. Similar to boats much longer.

I think Hobie 14 and 16's are by far the worst!

it takes alot to pitchpole a supercat..... i love how the bow will dive under the water and pop right back out without any complaints

Gunboat 60, oh wait you said beachcat, Nacra 20...

T foils!? We don't no stinkin T foils!

Don't knock it before you tried it Ding !

Wouter

i can drive my Mystere bows underwater without any problem. I HEAR up to the front beam (but wouldnt want to try).

We have 6 Mysteres 5.0 - 6.0 and i have never heard of any of them pitching over.

I'll not have another boat without them if the class rules allow. One day I'd like an A class, maybe they will allow them by then.

I've had my F16 in as far as the 2nd batten on the mainsail, Spi pole under water and the spi sock was filling up; I was VERY surprised that it did not go in!!

I support Ding's position.

Theres no replacement for displacement.

Well, in the right hands anything can be pitched. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Super Dave and I did it once on the 6.0 traveling 20+ mph. Good fun. Mystere's have very buoyant bows. Super cats are good but they're so wet to ride on at speed.

If the mast is too far forward on the H-18 it will tend to dive the bows easier.

Lol! I will keep that in mind next time i have my front beam underwater!

I guess i will have to try harder!

Look at you being all poetic.

The choice of business travellers everywhere.

Just because I can't post a photo...

http://sailseries.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=84&g2_itemId=4217

Or.....

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/catamaran/video/xtn1j_catamaran-pitchpole_sport

Did the skip ever hit the water? Karl was that you? If so, well done sir!

No, I can't take credit for that one.

Wow, I'd hate to be out on the wire when my Gunboat 62 pitchpoled!

It was amazing to see the cat in that video clip take a dive in what appeared to be rather mild conditions.

This clip shows some nice pitchpoles and capsizes from an unusual angle: http://www.dailymotion.com/related/xtn1j...-a-bath_extreme

I did try the search function first but I didn't have much luck. Ok, I admit I didn't look very long since the site was responding like chilly molasses last night. . .

Not that I could currently afford one, but any idea how the Infusion and the N20 compare for keeping on their feet?

Thanks for the inputs, guys!