Top 3 FAQs for May, 2002
1. Question
I just would like to know if Hobie ever made a cat in which the hull would telescope from 10 ft to 14 feet in beam. i have heard such rumours but I have never actually seen one that did.
Answer
The Hobie 21SE is the longest beam cat that Hobie Cat has produced, at 10 foot beam (precisely 9' 6.5"). The H21 SE can telescope down for trailering to an 8 foot beam (you can't sail it telescoped in, exlcusively for trailering).
2. Question
I have been wanting to put my business name on my sails and can't seem to understand the size limitations. I don't want to show up at a race and get a DSQ for the wrong size lettering on my sails. Please let me know in laymans terms size and configuration limitations Thank you so much.
Answer
BR>Regarding your question about advertising. Please read RRS. Appendices, Section 2 Regulation 20. The Hobie Class is Catagory C. which you will find is somewhat unrestricted, however please read the reference document.
3. Question
I am very new to Hobie sailing, I have been sailing large monohulls for
the last 16 years. can you please tell me a little more about positioning weight on the tramp when going down and up wind. I have seen people position themselves back and up and even laying across. Is there a guide to this?
Answer
it depends on the wind strength.
Downwind:
In light airs the crew is on the same side as the sails, usually sitting on
the front cross beam with feet on the hull, skipper is up on the windward
side, front, right hand on the windward hull.
Winds getting stronger, crew positions themselves more centrally.
Winds even stronger, both crew and skipper shift back, to keep the bows from
burying, i.e. to avoid pitchpoling.
Wild winds - both are way back, near the rear crossbeam to keep those hulls
up.
Upwind:
In very light airs the crew is on the same side as the sails, skipper is up
on the windward side, front, right hand on the windward hull.
Winds getting stronger, crew positions themselves more centrally. Can be
laying accross the front cross beam. Use feet to shift weight as needed, to
keep the boat sailing flat.
Winds stronger, trapezing weather. Lighter person goes out first.
Winds stronger, heavier person goes out, lighter person goes in, shift at
the same time to keep the boat from moving too much, the more stability, the
less boat speed lost.
Double trapping weather - both are out on the wire.
Wild winds - both are trapped way back, near the rear crossbeam to keep
those hulls up.
| 
