[quote=yurdle][quote]The hot boats do not like weight (additional wetted surface and longitudinal resistance) in a much more pronounced protest than a big truck like our Hobie 18's. Hull volume is a big part of the equation but it goes much deeper than just the buoyancy comps. It changes the force reactions (how the hulls change their plane) and a laundry list of downstream reactions. As tramp and line monkeys, we can adjust, but adjusting to compensate certain reactions only leads to an increase of another reaction that is likely worse. Your point holds water. No pun intended![/quote]
I disagree with most of this, if I understand what you're trying to say anyway..
The newer designs have mostly moved the buoyancy lower and lower in the hull (from apple to pear) over time, which makes them much more weight, wave, and driver, forgiving per given buoyancy. The newer designs also do have more hull volume quite often, although the 5.8 certainly has plenty, which also makes them more weight forgiving per given hull length.
However, what I find most important for soloing a boat is how easy it is to control, and newer designs EXCEL at that. The biggest problem I've had with soloing older cats is the jib. I've got no problem handling it while on the tramp, during maneuvers, but it can be a liability in a blow when trapped out. The newer designs (which I'm assuming is what you mean when you say 'hot boats') have moved the power more to the main, and shrunk the jib, and for the most part allow you to get away with handling 1-2 lines at any given time when trapped solo -- downhaul/mainsheet when going up or kite sheet downhill.
Soloing a 5.5 or 5.8, while flying a hull, I have to be careful of puffs from behind (lifters?) as, if I'm reaching at all, they can fill and power the jib, and add a ton of heel, very quickly.
Just MHO.[/quote]
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