Whats faster solo? a 14 or 16 footer?

anrkii

Rank: Lubber

Registered: May 12, 2011

Last visit: Jun 25, 2011

Posts: 35
Posted: May 18, 2011 - 01:39 AM

Whats the fastest, most thrilling cat for soloing, when equipped the same (trap, jib)
14 or 16 foot?
erice

Rank: Mate

Registered: Feb 19, 2008

Last visit: Aug 26, 2023

Posts: 671
Posted: May 18, 2011 - 03:05 AM

17' nacra:o)

fastest is hull length, so longer is faster, generally more power, bigger rig etc.

hobie16 may be able to reach faster than a nacra17 as it has less wetted area and no daggerboards...but it's slower around a course and prone to pitchpoling on the edge...both are great sailing solo in light air, thrilling in medium air and terrifying soloing in heavy air...why terrifying? because right them solo is not easy...

14' cats tend to be boring in light air, great sailing in medium air and thrilling in heavy air...they are much easier to right solo as they are lighter, narrower and have shorter rigs

Edited by erice on May 18, 2011 - 03:42 AM.
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: May 22, 2024

Posts: 7089
Posted: May 18, 2011 - 09:18 AM

currently the fastest and most competitive (in that range) are the F-16s. Vipers are very nice + are sailed 1 or 2 up (racers) . they are basically as fast as the new C2's (f-18's). according to pro-racer and viprer/c2 dealer Robbie Daniels. i believe him

Edited by MN3 on May 18, 2011 - 06:53 PM.
robpatt

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 06, 2010

Last visit: Jun 26, 2024

Posts: 281
Posted: May 18, 2011 - 10:47 AM

16 or 17.

The H17 is a great start...and you can really honk on it a lot more when the wind is UP and stirring up some chop.. .the 14 won't do chop well... and the I17 rocks w/the spin!!! (it's on my list..)

I've sailed the DAYLIGHTS out of my 14 solo while there'd be 2-up on a 16 not sailing it as hard or trimmed, etc...., and the 16 is depressingly faster. Was a sad day for my H14T.

BUT THEN.... I went around the bouys w/some Waves... and was WAVING them farewell in my wake.

Seat of the pants meter, but I'd say the 16 is as much faster than the 14... as the 14 is faster then the wave.

Edited by robpatt on May 18, 2011 - 10:55 AM.
dewy2437

Rank: Lubber

Registered: May 05, 2010

Last visit: Jun 06, 2012

Posts: 33
Posted: May 24, 2011 - 07:08 AM

I agree w. Above but the bottomline both get u out on the water. I own a H 16 when the wind is blowing it will go into gears that make me very nervous especially when the bow wants to dive into the water. But its a blast.