I'm new to sailing here, and i love the way cats can really get a hull out of the water, but im not sure how to do this, can anyone help me with this a bit? i do know though it has a lot to dio with wind speed, but dont know how fast it needs to be... thanks

If I'm solo on my H16 I can usually get a hull up in about 10 knots of wind; two people requires more wind. You'll have the opportunity to be flying a hull anytime the wind is foreward of 90° on the bridle fly, but usually when you're close-hauled is easiest.
Remember, you're not fast when the hull is way up though... the optimum hull "position" is just barely skimming the water. The hull on my H16 in the pic below is a bit high.

Depends a lot on the weight of the boat and crew as well.

I very much like to sail solo on my hobie 16. Have you ever heard of anyone going out on a trapeze when sailing solo on a hobie 16?
I've sailed may times with someone else that can pull me back in if I slip (at least I think so). I would like to know if anyone else has survived this, or if I'm just crazy,,, and has anyone perished?
thanks!
hobie 21769 (1977 Flame)

Hey South Dakota,

That is a good question and I hope someone answers it. Where I sail, there are few (if any) for me to draw experience from. However, I have been reading that the H16, like most sailboats, should turn into the wind and stall when left to its own devices - thus allowing the chance to swim back to the boat. I sure wouldn`t want to find out the hard way that I am wrong on this count. Also, if the mainsheet was cleated instead of running free, I have some serious doubts if this would occur at all - or close enough to allow a for a safe swim back to the boat.

Dave

Hey Y'all

Both Flying a hull and trapping single handed are "just go for it things"

With the trapping just raise your wires a bit. And I don't mean so high that it looks like you are standing on the rail!!! Just enough to make getting out easier, then as you imprve your technique you can lower the trap to the proper height.



I have been sailing a 16 for about 30 yrs (ok matt, billy, etc i know I'm old) I learned to trap single handing by tying the end of the mainsheet to my trap harness. Today most boats have a continous traveler/mainsheet line so I wouldn't hesitate to tie a tether line or something like it.

Remember if you fly high enough you will occasionally flip, All part of the game!!

On righting a 16 single handed I have used both a righting bag and a shroud extender and found the bag the best option.

Remember there are two kinds of cat sailors...
Those who have jumped of the boat (unhooked) and those who WILL jump off the boat.

Pic-Flyin in 78'-notice the white Arriba hotstick

I thought I was the old sailor here but your 30 years beats my 20 years of sailing a Hobie 16. I agree with you. You have to practice single handing from out on the wire. I make sure the blocks on the main sheet are at an angle where I can easily release the sheet. I also turn the ratchet off when I am on the wire. I leave it on when I fly a hull and am not out on the wire. The ratchet creates drag that keeps the sheet from running out too fast. When I am out I keep the main sheet lying across my legs so it is in reach. I don't worry about the jib, just travel it in and cleat it before you go out. When the hull comes up, uncleat the sheet and hold onto it. Letting it out or pulling in controls how high the hull will rise. Though I never worry about falling off, I want there to be other boats around when I single hand.

Howard

If there's enough wind I'm always on the wire going upwind; trips me out to sit on the tramp now, unless I've forgotten my harness. (See the pic in my sig.) I fell off the first few times I tried it (with crew aboard) but it hasn't happened in many months now. Knock on wood.

I usually hold the mainsheet in my (foreward) hand and keep the jib sheet lying across my feet just in case.

Greetings,
I think it's a real good idea to start out practicing while the cat is still on the beach. Have someone sit on the opposite side as a counter balance while you adjust for proper height and practice coming in, and going out on the wire. Once you have things dialed in on shore drop it in the water and try it.

Righting the cat should also be practiced on the beach first.

Kind regards
ML