New to cats/sailing - 1982 H18 (PA, NJ)

Hi all...I've been reading this forum and many books about cat sailing over the past few months. Took a sailing lesson, rocked it, loved it...Looked into monohulls for a sec untill a buddy told me about cats. Cats are definately more my speed so I found a good used TheMightyHobie18 (and approval from the wife <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />). I'm really looking forward to the learning, tech challenges, and FUN that lies ahead.
I chose the TheMightyHobie18 for more family/friend room and apparently more speed?!?! I'll be sailing pre and post summer seasons at Marsh Creek, PA, and at Brigantine, NJ during the heat of the summer season.

I guess other than introducing myself I'm interested in any common traits, no no's, or tricks for the TheMightyHobie18. Oh, and I'm definately interested in sailing with others. So if your in the above areas don't hesitate to email...I can use all the help I can get.

Hi Luffed, a few thoughts from a TheMightyHobie18 (and previous Hh16 owner). I love my TheMightyHobie18... but it is a HEAVY MONSTER...

The mast is also a beast! Perhaps i am a whimp (I don't think so) but I can barely lower it alone (no chance of raising it alone). I either have to have a friend help or use an E-Z mast system (GIN pole)

The dagger boards are a constant worry that you eliminate with the H16. I sail in Clearwater Florida and it is pretty shallow in the Intra-coastal (except for the hour of high tide) so i am CONSTANTLY worried about hitting bottom (that’s a VERY VERY VERY BAD THING) Without them fully lowered i have other issues...

If you get an 18, try to get one with post 1986 rudders (the old system stinks, and the upgrade is very expensive and not fun to install.)

Lastly ... there may be a little more room onboard an 18 but unless you plan to sail in deep waters are very strong, don’t mind the extra weight.... i would consider the 16. It’s a good boat, lighter, less parts, and performs very well.

Personally.... hehe i want to upgrade to a Nacra... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Enjoy!

blasphemy!!
(dont worry though, its probably just a phase) <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Buy a real boat and get a Nacra! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I am kidding, the TheMightyHobie18 is an awesome boat, I got beat by one pretty bad a few months ago at a regatta.

Better watch it gree or Mary will be after you again....this isn't the open forum. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I am joking around, I would love to have a TheMightyHobie18, and I think that it is a much better boat than the H16.

But if it is a problem just tell me and I will edit it.

hi luffed,
i was looking for a hobie 14 or 16, (2nd most built boat in the world so must be doing lots of things right) but the area i'm in is pretty remote with high transportation rates and no trailers so when a nacra 17 came up for sale on the lake i sail at i bought that
i'm not sure of the weight of the TheMightyHobie18 but in many respects it seems more like a nacra than a traditional hobie
they are pretty heavy for solo sailing and righting and with their racing heritage there are a lot of adjustments to make while under sail so they can be pretty intimidating

BUT, if you keep at it, it will provide an exciting boat that you are unlikely to outgrow for a long time

I encourage you to get in contact with the (racing) Division 11 folks of Hobie Class of North America (www.div11.hobieclass.com) and attend a regatta or two. There are some excellent cat sailors in the NJ/PA/DE area. While the TheMightyHobie18 class is more recreational these days, many of the sailors in the more modern classes (H20, Tiger) used to race H18s. They can help you with boat set up and sailing technique. If you have not sailed cats before, I think you will be surprised at how much you can improve by attending one weekend regatta (even at the back of the fleet!).

Also, if you have not, check out www.hobiecat.com for general information and their own forums. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Good luck with your TheMightyHobie18!

Welcome Luffed and a nice choice of boat!

This winter find a copy of
the Hobie 18 Performance Manual by Phil Berman

read it and come back with questions <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

All very helpful stuff.

I've seen other TheMightyHobie18's sail where I plan on sailing so hopefully water depth won't be a big issue.
I was concered about how heavy the boat is. Hopefully it won't be to hard to find help offering a good ride in return. That is once I learn to sail it right! My brother in law sails cats and will be helping along the way.

Right now I'm really trying to get familiar with the boat. Learning all the terminology and how things work together. I'm starting out very green here.
I have many questions, here is a starter: When sitting on the trailer w/ the mast raised...should either of the side stays be slack at all? Boat is relatively level. One of mine is seemingly very slack, while the other and forstay are in tension. Is this correct?

I have been in touch with some folks from Div 11. All very nice and more than willing to help if I were to attend a regatta. I don't have any regattas in me this year, but I'm really looking forward to attending a few in 08'.

Can anyone provide a link to the TheMightyHobie18 Performance Manual? I see assembly guides and parts lists, but no perf. man.

Yes, one shroud should be slack, if not both. Cats run a lose rig, it allows them to rotate.

Did a google search
buy books

There were 8 Hobie 18s at our last Div 11 regatta in Rehoboth. Make it a priority to come out and sail with us next year. Good fun and the beer is free.

That's great news Dan. Free beer?!?!?! Priority made :-)

I'm on the DIV 11 email list so I should get notification of next years schedule. I hope to meet you at the seasons first.