I absolutely love my H18, I've upgraded just about everything over the past few years (wings, sails, lines, rigging, etc..) but I feel like it's capacity is lacking. Had 3 guys out a few times but felt the boat was really struggling with a 600lb crew weight...

I'm really interested in an H21 for going out with friends but I have a few concerns:
-Set up time, as a trailer sailor I'm always looking to get from trailer to water asap. Can I muscle up the mast without assistance? I can throw up the H18 mast with ease, is the 3' longer H21 mast going to be that different?
-Trailering at 9'. At only a foot wider than the H18 it's prob not a big issue, I'm thinking most police wouldn't be aware it's an illegal width... although behind my 05' wrangler it will look wide.... anyone ever have a problem? Alternative is mast up storage on trailer, any idea what this cost for a season?
-I will solo the H21 but plan to have the shroud extenders, from all my research this seems like the best righting solution. Uses the hull's weight to your advantage...

The 21 weighs close to 550lbs, I think it's a poor choice for solo work. Moving that thing around on the dry would be a big deal, even with 2 people.

Trailering 9' may or may not be a big deal depending on your local laws. Many states allow transport of over-width boats without a permit, however all that I know of require it be pulled by a dually. The penalties for those infractions could be massive. The 21 does have collapsing beams, but your adding a big hassle in set-up right there.

I can throw a 33' aluminum mast up myself, but it's quite a chore. Most of my sailing friends are not comfortable attempting it.

No boat is going to be very good triple handed and single handed, you need to decide what you use more often.

If you have mast up storage and have a pretty flat ramp for in and out of the water then it may be a viable option. If you do not have either of those, I would keep using the 18.

For shroud extenders you need a captive mast base. I do not know what the 21 uses for a base. It may be more complicated that just adding extenders.



Edited by carolinacatamarans on Mar 02, 2014 - 07:17 AM.

The mast on the H21 is not only longer but has quite a bit more cross section. It does taper a lot so most of the extra weight is at the base. I think it would be a chore to stand it up solo.

The mast base is captive with a pin under the ball, but i would be amazed if it could be solo righted with extenders. Maybe a pole and righting bag with a good wind. It is a heavy boat!

The 21 will easily handle 3. I have had it go by my H18 loaded up with more kids on it than you can count.

People routinely tow these things full width but not legally. If finances allow keep the 18 for solo or two up and get the 21 for big groups. That thing is amazing in heavy air.

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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I've built several gin poles for mast raising, I can help you with that if you go with the 21. I have shroud extenders on the ARC22 and the SC20, and they help noticeably, but I'm dubious as to whether they alone will be enough to right the 21 solo. Some combination of a righting bag, a righting pole, and/or correctly set up righting lines might do the trick. I'm also a firm believer in a drift sock off the bow in a blow to keep the boat properly aligned to the wind.

dave

I believe the 21 mast is actually five feet longer than the 18 mast (33ft vs. 28ft). As stated above, the 21 mast is also a much larger cross section. I can lift the 18 mast up pretty easily (I'm 6'3", 210lbs) and didn't have much problem with the Hobie 20 mast (back when I was in my 20's), but unless you're a pretty big, strong guy, I don't think you're going to get that 21 mast up solo without using a gin pole and a winch- I don't think I'd attempt it. I wouldn't be surprised if that sucker was over 80 lbs (the 18 mast is 55lbs).

Same goes with solo righting, I really think you would be pushing it to try and right the 21 solo. It's a lot of boat. Maybe with shroud extenders and a water bag, but I'd practice first with some extra beef available. As far as handling goes, its really just a scaled up version of the 18, so on the water it shouldn't be much different than what you're used to.

sm

I solo my 21SE about 80% of the time and find it very stable and comfortable. Setup time is a good hour and I need help raising my mast only.

The 18 is less difficult to setup, but once your all ready to sail, you will love the 21SE...

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Bill 404 21SE
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My buddy Mark has his 21SE for sale just south of Atlanta, GA if anyone is in need. I can hook you up..................

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Bill 404 21SE
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As Pete says it is a great boat and loaded up with people it still is fast. We race it mostly two or three up and recreational sail with as many as seven adults. We keep on the beach with cat tracks . It is a bear to move around by myself but I can do it. I have set up mast alone with the gin pole.

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Ted
Hobie 21SE Feral Cat
Upstate NY lake sailing
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daverfarmer

I'm also a firm believer in a drift sock off the bow in a blow to keep the boat properly aligned to the wind.

Dave,
Tell me about your drift sock- where do you store it, how do you mount it to the bow?
How big is it and do you use a stiff bolt rope to keep it open?
Pictures in the Technical Photo Albums?
I think this is an outstanding idea for offshore races.



Edited by klozhald on Mar 20, 2014 - 11:52 AM.

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Sheet In!
Bob
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Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
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