I'm curious if anyone is using the wave backrest. hard to call it a rack since it appears to be a foam covered aluminum tube taht slides into the crossbeams. It would be nice for longer jaunts.

Likewise, I'm curious about the zipper reefing sail. I haven't really been out in anything that felt like I needed to reef as I'm 225 and 6'2. Usually a little hiking keeps the boat down. I was just thinking of using the boat for a little coastal cruising and camping around Sanibel, FL and both mods seem like they might add a little comfort.

As for performance, I like the hooter idea that Rick put together. Anyone else out there put that mod on their boat? I could see that as a really fun way to spice up the enjoyable wind range.

Dan

I haven't actually seen any of those backrests in use. Sailors who race their Waves don't use them because the backrests would be in the way for hiking out.

But when I am out cruising around just for R and R on my Wave, I often think about designing a little, adjustable recliner chair to mount on each side. Problem is, I would probably fall asleep.

As far as the Hooter, Rick put one on my Wave. I was surprised to find that I really enjoy it for pleasure sailing -- makes it like a whole different boat. But I am going to try a couple of different sheeting plans (still in my head) for the Hooter, because I don't like the one I have.

P.S. I forgot you asked about the zipper sail for reefing. I didn't even know they had such a thing, but I really can't imagine having to reef a Wave.

I can hold down the boat in most anything I can think of wanting to be out in anyhow and a Calvert sail would be money better spent.

Dan

My Wave came with the backrests. I've never raced so the backrests have never come off. On windy days, I can hook a foot under a hiking strap, sit on the top of the backrest and lean out. What I like most is the ability to stay above most of the spray the boat generates. Because it is round, but well padded, it is fairly comfortable however, you do need to shift around a little. I'm in my upper 50's and the b'rest feels pretty good after more than a couple of hours of sailing.

Sincerely, Pete!!!

I would like to try the backrests out, but I don't want to buy a set to do that. And I have heard it is kind of a chore to install them and remove them.

Can you sit on the backrest? I was told it would not support the weight. Maybe it's stronger than advertised.

Mike

Instead of purchasing and installing the "backrests" I've been talking along a "Crazy Creek Long Back Chair." It folds flat, can be easily secured to the boat with its velco straps or by other means, is made of closed cell foam that won't waterlog, and it floats.

The most important thing is that it's comfortable (I'm 6'3" and it still gives pretty good back support) and using it is almost like having a lounger (tilt back so you can rock on you tukus and it will also dampen some of the wave motion/chop).

When the wind gets kicking you can just fold it up out of the way and when you get tired or just feeling like cruising easy you just unstrap the chair and relax (time to use those cup holders on the non-club wave tramp).

Take a look at:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro..._category_rn=4500551&vcat=REI_SEARCH

I went to the link since I thought it was sucha good idea but couldn't really order the cow or hibiscus in good conscience. That would really put me over the top since i have the pink and teal sail and graphics. Just kidding...but I would like solid colors.

I like the chair idea, but I can't figure out how I would attach it to my club Wave.

I also have thought about using an Ab Lounge so I can get a workout while I'm sailing.

Maybe MTV will start a new show called "PIMP MY WAVE."

Then the Hibiscus and Cow patterns should fit right in with the rest of the color scheme.............

When I got the chair a couple years ago all that was available was Hibiscus. Cow would have been an improvement! But hey I went with it--sort of reminds me of a "Hawaiian" shirt for the posterior.

Mary-

It has some quick release straps that can be undone and clipped forward to the hiking straps when not in use. Otherwise it has loops on the front edges of the seat bottom and top which could be used to fasten to the hiking straps when you are underway.

I only fasten mine to the boat when I'm sailing. When I'm cruising easy I'm sitting on it and have it underneath me. I haven't lost it unexpectedly yet, but if I do I guess it will be time to practice the man overboard drill. Maybe I should come up with a bungie/quick release buckle set up to avoid this scenario.

Despite the Hibiscus hawaiian shirt print, the closed cell foam and the high back make it worthwhile.

Another cruising little plan I have is to add a beckson plate aft of the rear crossbar and possibly a rectangular hatch between the two seat areas. Throwing a couple of drybags in each hull would make for a cleaner approach than strapping everything to the deck. A have a bunch of islands I want to explore near Sanibel, FL not to mention up in Lake Superior, WI.

Dan

I have both the back rest and the hooter. i think its the best thing for me it adds alot of excitment in 8 to 10 knots of wind even with two adults. With one person and I weigh 180 its no sweat to fly a hull. The only thing left to do on my wave is to put a diamond spreader on the mast (it bends with the hooter). To tack the hooter I find it best to furl it first.As far as the back rest go when I put them on I thought I would take them off from time to time but I never do they are comfortable I never get a stiff back. I never sit up on them because they said not to but maybe its ok.I sail my wave about three times aweek in the summer I have raced it but not one design so it just doesn't compete well in open class sailing but for crusing around its fun. My recomondation is if you have the money wy not.

on the hooter, don't worry about the mast.., it is very, very stiff and not a problem. They all bend, but the Wave mast is so stiff that a slight bend will not hurt anything. That is why I went masthead with the Hooter. I tried fractional and it was not much benefit. When I went masthead, the results were great. And I have never had any failures of any kind.., yet!
Rick

Thanks Rick it bends alright it freaks me out too. I do wonder if I put a diamond spreader on it if the perfomance would be better. Any thoughts on that. also I need a jib sock for that sail any sudgestions.

There is no reason to put spreaders on the Wave mast. That would be akin to putting spreaders on a telephone pole. The bend in the Wave mast is very slight.., go look at the bend in the Taipan mast and then go back and look at the bend in the Wave. The Taipan is a noodle.., the Wave a telephone pole.
Rick

OK I get it i won't worry about it.
Thanks