I just checked out the ISAF schrs rating site, which I do routinely, and I found that the Hobie FX has changed on two accounts :
The FX-one is now also truelly available as a doublehander with a jib. Do you think that they have picked up on us ? Called teh FX-one double; the jib size is 4 sq. mtr. by 5.5 mtr luff or 0,5 sq.mtr more than the F16 jib.
The FX-one is now listed with 17.5 sq.mtr. spi in both modes; so FX-one and FX-double with the same hardware.
The point about the 17.5 sq.mtr. spi is remarkable as that most certainly started with us. Before we discussed and voted on the 17.5 sq. mtr. spi for reasons of F18 equality there was NEVER talk of 17,5 sq. mtr. spis in whatever class whatsoever.
Mostly these 0,5 sq.mtr were rounded off to whole numbers like 17 sq mtr. or 18 sq.mtr. And I remember clearly that FX-one was listed last year with 17 sq. mtr. on the hobie page. This change is significant in my opinion. Do you think that we have stirred something up with Hobie Europe ?
I must admit though that this is the right approach as I like the FX-double better than its catrigged singlehander brother; it just sails better.
Funny thing is also that it's main sail is now just 0,08 sq. mtr. to big for the F16 rule. Some 0,6 %. Hell if they cut of those 10 inches of bow section that doesn't touches the water anyway then they could sail in the F16 class. To bad it was measured again at 153 kg's (F16 = just above 100 kg)
FX-one double rating = 1.04
FX-one single rating = 1.03
F16 double = 1.00 (without corrector weigths)
F16 double = 1.01 (with corrector weights or when not precisely on min weigth)
F16 single = 98
Just something I wanted to inform you about.
Wouter
Wouter
We've talked before about spinnaker size at 17.5. I will be mostly sailing solo (95%) and long distance (10 plus miles each race). Do you still think this size is okay or should I think of a little smaller one?
Anyone else with an opinion is welcome to chime in.
Mike T213
I think you will be okay. You are also supposedly in a US region with lighter winds right ?
The difference in handling between 17.5 and 16 sq.mtr. will not be noticable I think. I also seems that the luff lengths are perfectly equal and I think that that is the biggest factor in determining power and speed.
Now you have to make up your own mind, but if you would ask me personally than I will say that I will put a 17 - 17,5 sq.mtr spi on my boats and sail it. However I did learn to spi when sailing 2-up.
If you want a smoother entry in spi sailing you might want to start with a smaller spi with the hound at the stay hound.
However this would be unattractive moneywise as when you get good at spi sailing you mignt want to upgrade to the larger class legal spi.
Also, the I-17R guys fly 17 sq.mtr. spis and they seem to be okay with it ? The difference in righting moment between you and them is only some 10 %
Wouter
I17 is 350 pounds vs. 210 for my cat-rigged 4.9. That's the weight of a crew member.
Yes we have what you might consider light winds here. Usually a steady 10-13 knots in spring and fall. Winter can get up between 15-25. I don't usually go out in over 20. If it picks up while I'm out that's okay, but hard to leave the beach in it (usually very gusty in winter).
I was sailing the t4.9 in 25 knots during the Mini-Macho Man. Main only and two people on the boat. Perfect. Travelled out about 10-20 inches upwind!
I'll probably go with 17.5 and just leave it on the beach if it gets too heavy out. I've got nothing to prove and too much to live for. Maybe once I get use to it I will change my mind. I wouldn't think that .5 meters would be worth bothering with (17 vs. 17.5).
>>I17 is 350 pounds vs. 210 for my cat-rigged 4.9. That's the weight of a crew member.
That is correct, however this major difference doesn't translated in a difference of the same amount in righting moment. The difference in rightingmoment is considerable less. In numbers Weight ratio = 60 % ; rightingmoment ratio = 80 %.
But at the same time the I-17R has a taller mast and more mainsail area giving it 18 % more capsize moment at which the mainsail is stil better in producing than the spi.
Effectively the ratio between I-17R and Taipan in righting moment is close to 95 %. In my opinion the reduction of the spi by less than 2 sq. mtr. BUT with the same luff length will hardly be noticable therefor.
>Yes we have what you might consider light winds here. Usually a steady 10-13 knots in spring and fall.
No problemo in those condition (after a little practice that is)
>Winter can get up between 15-25
Any spi sailing in those condition will require a little experience. Just build up confidence and skill slower and in the lower windspeeds first.
>>I'll probably go with 17.5 and just leave it on the beach if it gets too heavy out. I've got nothing to prove and too much to live for. Maybe once I get use to it I will change my mind.
Just the right approach. After a while you'll become handy in setting and doucing and then you'll find that you can do it in stronger winds without any real risk. But getting that skill first does require a few hours and a couple of sets and douces in learning grade weather
>>I wouldn't think that .5 meters would be worth bothering with (17 vs. 17.5).
That is why I listed them together coz I regard these as the same especially when they have the same luff length. A smaller spi would start at about 15,5 sq.mtr. or less in my opinion.
Hope this has helped,
Wouter
Mike- Another option for solo is to just add a roller furler to your jib or get a slightly larger jib even with roller furler- sort of a "mini-Hooter" and then just use if wind goes light or downwind- Furling gear would be cheaper than the smaller spi and could be used when sloop also PLUS you could potentially carry both furlier jib and spi then-
I did this on my old N 5.0 and it worked well. Just the addition of the jib downwind when solo helps a lot IMO- I know Phill used an old genoa/jib off a small mono as an extra furling headsail and he was quite impressed with the additional performance. If going this way don't be afraid to increase size as the PN "hit" would be the same I believe (uni class with one person using large jib mod. factor- as long as it connects ala the "factory" jib- you could add a compression spreader ala the Isotopes or Nacra 5.5/6.0 and place the bottom furler lower and get more area down low that way also)-
Just another approach-
Kirt
I've just installed a furler and really like it even though it's a bit heavier than the above bridle set-up. I bought the Harken that fits below the bridle wires (replaced the stainless plate and multi hole adjuster - using a Portugues Turnbuckle) so that I could keep the jib at the same height as original. It works wonderfully. If it gets too heavy (wind) I can just furl away. Also, when I'm on the beach getting a hot dog (at anchor) I can furl and not worry about the boat trying to sail off the anchor.
It is much faster downwind with it and I can sail deeper. I'm faster than a lot of boats that are much bigger. However, my ultimate goal is to go uni-rigged with a spinnaker though. I don't like jibs that much and was raised on uni-rigged boats (Hobie 14, Dart 18, Nacra 5.5) and love the simplicity.
Nothing like being able to see over on the other side of the boat (no jib to block the view).
Mike T4.9
What did you have on your N5.0? Roller furling jib, spinnaker, or both? I'm intrigued...
Eric-
I just had a roller furler jib- Never used racing, just daysailing-
Kirt