OK...no wind, no waves - 185lbs to right sounds about right. But how did you capsize it to begin with if there was no wind? Remember that there is a technique to righting a catamaran so that you use the wind to your mechanical advantage. Make certain the mast is water tight because if it fills it could become unlikely that the boat could be righted at all. A little preparation and you won't have to worry about it.
There are nylon bags that you can keep on board that have a small block and tackle system so that you can 1) attach it to the boat, 2) lower it in the water (and fill it) and 3) hoist it to give you additional righting leverage. There are also righting poles (which are much easier to operate) and obviously outside assistance if you are sailing with other sailboats (double handed so one person can leave the other boat).
With no wind and no waves it's a challenge to right a 16 with 260lbs. That is the minimum selected for womens racing based somewhat on the ability to right the boat. With wind it is much easier. Sunny, Get a spare life jacket and harness and invite people out. Attached: A couple of 120lb women that can make the cat fly.
how did you capsize it to begin with if there was no wind?
With a line from the top of the mast and the help of several friends. At one time, it was a fairly common training drill. The trick is keep one hull stationary. Not as easy as it sounds.
how did you capsize it to begin with if there was no wind?
With a line from the top of the mast and the help of several friends. At one time, it was a fairly common training drill. The trick is keep one hull stationary. Not as easy as it sounds.
One of the races we'd do at fun sails was a tip & tie. Basically, start and somewhere on the course tip the boat over, tie a balloon to the top of the mast, right the boat, and finish. With two people swinging out on the traps they were easy to tip.
I have sailed at minimum carrying weight to get to (285). I WAS racing at about 275 combined. I could get the 16 or 18 up with that, but would use the crew on my shoulders to make it easier / quicker. Especially on the 18.
In no wind... it is harder, not easier to right. You need a breeze to get under the sails and add a bit of lift. With a breeze you can right with less weight.
If you are light, you can carry a "Righting Bucket" or canvas bag to fill with water. This is slung over your shoulder for more righting weight. These bags can carry about 150 lbs. of water.
Hey Jake, Find a H16 and get up to the Madcatter. It would be very interesting to get your take on racing the boat compared to the F18 fleet. Lots of pretty boats on the beach at Oneida Lake
I did that in 1980 off the coast of Freeport Texas in 14 foot rollers. It was a HOOT and scary. All you could see was the top 3-4 feet of the competitors mast. Had to really watch you didn't hit someone. We were weightless for a second or two. Real rush.
Gentlemen, thank you so much for the information. I really respect your opinions. It looks like most agree that the H16 would be something for me to consider seriously. I am sure David, Jake or Cary Palmer will help me find something reasonable for my money.
Doug, Thanks for the book suggestion. I will get one. I appreciate all the help I can get.
You may also want to get this http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jrorgnjse It is by Phil Berman. Main thing is read and practice, read and practice. BUT nothing will beat time on the water. Let use know when you get it and let us see some photos. send me a email link and I will send you H17 and Ashleigh's Nacra 4.5 when we get it. Think I am going to put a Hooter on it.
Doug Snell Hobie 17 www.tcdyc.com dsnell4 at houston dot rr dot com
Wendy, you should check out Spring Fever on Easter Weekend, Lake Hartwell GA. They will have a good selection of boats including 3 little person boats. Hobie 14, F14 which is usually a souped up Hobie 14, and Mystere 4.3. Another boat you might think about at your side is a decent used A cat.
Main thing is read and practice, read and practice. BUT nothing will beat time on the water. Let use know when you get it and let us see some photos. send me a email link and I will send you H17 and Ashleigh's Nacra 4.5 when we get it. Think I am going to put a Hooter on it.
Doug Snell Hobie 17
Thanks for the links. I will look at everything. I would love to see pictures of Ashleigh's boat. I will keep you updated too.
Okay, Several of you have told me to try out different boats before I buy one.(I am laughing as I write this)This poses a problem for me since I am getting a boat to LEARN on... LOL, LOL Exactly what am I supposed to try to do with these perspective purchases? Ha Ha Ha...
So far the extent of my experience is that I can follow direction on one. If the directions are simple enough.
I am a NOVICE. But...I will work hard. I am not afraid to look or sound silly in order to learn something. There is not much I am afraid enough of not to do it anyway. I don't give up. (tenacious is an understatement) And there are very few things I have thought were as fun as this is.
So did your opinion of a beginner boat for me change?
I am not afraid to look or sound silly in order to learn something. There is not much I am afraid enough of not to do it anyway. I don't give up. (tenacious is an understatement) And there are very few things I have thought were as fun as this is.
You’ll do fine. Ask dumb questions (there really are no dumb questions), watch other sailors and boats and get out and sail!!
Oh yeah. We’ll expect to see you competing as a skipper in a national event within three years.
Remember that there is a technique to righting a catamaran so that you use the wind to your mechanical advantage. Make certain the mast is water tight because if it fills it could become unlikely that the boat could be righted at all. A little preparation and you won't have to worry about it.
