Just got back from Jamaica. Took a "ride" on a Hobie (I think a getaway without wings). The local guy who took us was very experienced which was good because it was blowing 30kts. We were half way to Cuba in 2-3ft swells before we turned around. It was a blast. Looked up and noticed the mast bend (ill post pic later). Anyone here have that boat. It seemed very easy to sail and very stable compare to my Nacra.
BTW the captain steered with his foot the whole time.
The Getaway weighs about 50 # more than your 5.2 and the mast is about 3' shorter, so in good wind it would feel more stable. If you downhaul your 5.2 properly, you'll see similar mast bend at top. Pete
gcamick wrote: The local guy who took us was very experienced
Here's yer sign
And the getaway has HUGE hull volume (hence being able to have a usabable front tramp. The getaway was designed to be one of the most stable and durable beach cats ever made. Not a speedster by any means but it's still a cat!!
Even if he wasn't an expert sailor, if the local guy has spent the last 10 years of his life ferrying tourists around he probably knew his way around the boat better than most of us. Too bad you didn't go all the way to Cuba!! Man do they have good cheap rum and cigars there!! Food, not so much.
D.