which wings?

I'm considering a set of wings for my 1981 Hobie 18. I'm not really interested in them from a racing standpoint (though that may be really fun), but from a family sailing standpoint. Last weekend with both kids ( 7 and 11) and my wife, things were pretty busy on the tramp in moderate air. Had my son laying prone on the windward hull in front of the crossbar, my daughter out on trap, and my wife laying down crosways on the tramp with her head up near the mast.

Is there a general consensus regarding which wing is better, or stronger, the Magnum or the SX? If it makes any difference, I'm 240 lbs myself, so I'm typically way over minimum when racing!

Thanks for the input, I appreciate your opinions.

Mike Bennett
Madera, CA
1981 Hobie 18

Well, first off, I do not think they have produced the "magnum" wings in some time, so you might have a hard time finding them. I run the SX wings and they are really nice.

I was on a magnum 18 once and I thought the wings were too short after having the SX wings.

Heck, if you're going to get them, why not get the biggies??!

Hobie has stopped production this year. Whatever you'll find will be used, unless a dealer somewhere has the SX set in stock.

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I'm sorry, I should have been more specific: used is fine by me. I have no intention of buying new wings.

Just curious the the shorter style Magnum wings were preferred or the longer style SX?

Just trying to keep from saying, "dang, wish I'd bought the other style!"

Thanks,

mike bennett

My understanding is the magnum wings are less likely to fail but are shorter than SX wings. The magnum wings are one piece welded, the SX wings are riveted together. Easier to ship SX wings. Magnum wings are heavier as well. I have sailed with both and really can't see much difference in the extra length. Both have similar weight rating. Its all about what you can find.

I own an 18SX that obviously has the SX wings and I do not have any experience with the magnum kind. That said, to me the big advantage in the SX wings is the extra length of the wing that extends to the rear of the boat. This allows you to be trapped out further back when the wind really starts to blow. The old magnum wings are no wider than the tramp.

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Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

Hey NorCal 18 guys NAHCA, Mikeb, everyone else,
Round Treasure Island is this weekend.
Moss Landing Challenge is next.
Hope to see you there!

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The current Hobie web site still lists the wings as options
http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/models_tiger.html
they seem to show three versions there if you click on the wings link.

My big question is, which is it, are they still making them or not. Maybe someone at Hobie will chime in with the final word on availability new.

Adrio,

The production of the SX wings (specifically for the Hobie 18 and 18SX models formerly produced in the USA) has ceased.

Mike B has asked a question about his 1981 Hobie 18, that is what I responded to.

Your post of the Hobie (EU/France) Tiger wings has nothing to do with the American boats.

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

I have an 18 with Magnum wings and have on experience with SX wing. I really like the wings and I didn’t feel the length is an issue. I generally put one of my sons on the trapeze off the wing and I sit on the wing as far aft as possible with my aft-foot on the hull behind the wing support (near the rudder). This gives me plenty of weight outboard on the windward side. I believe the weight limit on both sets of wings is between 350 and 400 lbs. my boat is old (’79) and I’m leery about overloading.

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John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854