An FX1 just came up on Craigslist in RI.
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John
Nacra 5.0
CT
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Would I be crazy to buy a Hobie FX One?
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 10:38 AM
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 10:55 AM
It seems that some Fx-ones have a jib and other don´t, I suggest to check, if it matters to you.
Edited by Andinista on Oct 04, 2021 - 11:01 AM. -
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 12:08 PM
I've sailed hobie 14s for three years, and just upgraded to a FX1 a few months ago. Wanted something modern, performance orentated, but w/ capicty to take my daughter and her friends out. As someone slightly younger, but lighter (43, 145lbs, tech minded) the FX1 checked all the boxes for me, and can live with the potential downsides. My club is mostly scows/waves w/ an F17 thrown in the mix, the F16 and a-class are also very attractive. Price was right for me in the end.
So far I couldn't be happier w/ my decision. I've had it out solo up to 12mph, shifty and gusting to 19 with some close calls (due to my own stupidity), but havent' capsized yet, nor needed to hike out. Honestly its an intimadating boat coming from a 14, but out on the water I've found it much more forgiving than a 14 and is easily de-powered. I've yet to come close to its potential and I've learned something new on every outing.
It is a trick to rig solo from a trailer but doable w/ winch and right technique. Next year will have the ability to leave the mast up. I can manhandle it solo ok on land once rigged.
Pros:
-Modern hulls and rig
-Plenty of volume and space for 2 up or a couple of kids
-Lots of performance potential (uni or sloop, w/ or w/o kite), feeds the techo aspect.
-Ability to put wings on it
-Much better pitch stability compared to the 14/16
Cons:
-Rig time from trailer (uni isn't bad compared to a 14, spin, jib wings take extra time)
-Part availability is the big one. Mine had 3 new sails and 2 used. Some common parts w/ tiger, but rigging will have to come from EU or custom made. Will be doing new fore stay and shrouds over the winter.
-No class to race against. I've been club racing w/ handicaps.
-Will be harder to right solo vs my 14, but w/ bag or pole shouldn't be too bad. -
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 12:25 PM
I have an FX One for sale on Beachcats. If you're a serious buyer, give me your phone number and I'll call you. I will NOT respond to any emails that can't be verified.
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High Point, NC
Exploder A15 A-Class Catamaran
Hobie FX One Catamaran
Hobie Tandem Island Trimaran
Weta Trimaran
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 01:08 PM
Pretty much everything you said is true, and my experience to date with my FX One. With lower displacement, flatter hulls, self-tacking jib, and dagger-boards, my FX One single-handed can turn faster than some heavier/larger 17-18' catamarans with a crew. I have a club where I keep it mast up. Most of our club racing nowadays is open multi-hull.
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High Point, NC
Exploder A15 A-Class Catamaran
Hobie FX One Catamaran
Hobie Tandem Island Trimaran
Weta Trimaran
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 01:19 PM
Oh yeah ... craigslist. Forgot about that! -
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 01:54 PM
Forgot about tacking...simply amazing how quick the FX turns compared to my 14, definatly a pro. -
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 01:56 PM
Forgot about tacking...simply amazing how quick the FX turns compared to my 14, definatly a pro. -
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 02:05 PM
Um... FX One with wings???? !
How does that work? I'm already thinking about an upgrade, myself (sorry don't mean to hijack), but what wings do you bolt onto an FX One Wings are like a necessity for me...Or did I just miss that they're a standard option?
Edited by charlescarlis on Oct 04, 2021 - 02:10 PM.
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Chuck C
NACRA 500 Mk2
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Posted: Oct 04, 2021 - 02:22 PM
You can probably find a set of FX One wings from some dusty closet at a Hobie dealer in the US, otherwise, call Hobie Europe. There are two types, the wider padded "comfort" wings and narrower "performance" bars that insert into cutouts on the front and rear crossbars. If wings are a necessity, I would go with the Getaway and the higher handicap for racing!
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High Point, NC
Exploder A15 A-Class Catamaran
Hobie FX One Catamaran
Hobie Tandem Island Trimaran
Weta Trimaran
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Posted: Nov 10, 2021 - 09:43 AM
We have a guy local that has a FX One and I believe he is a little older than 55. It seems like a great boat. He is typically very competitive. I would suggest you sail one before pulling the trigger. Try sailing a H16 also. I would say something with a carbon mast may be easier to handle in stepping and unstepping; but I have built systems to raise a mast singlehanded. Another thing to consider is your tinker to sail ratio with a boat.
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Scott
Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC
Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
Nacra 5.8
Tornadoes (Reg White)
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