Arribas Hot Stick

How many of you guys use the Arribas hot stick.what are some of the advantages?

I like it more or less because you can add a ball grip onto it. I like the rigidity of it as well. Not quite as floppy as the stock fibreglass one. It would be tough for me dealing with one that isn't adjustable with a boat that is 12' 4" wide.

I really like that it telescopes. That way when I trap out, I can adjust the length so the end is right where I need it. Makes steering more comfortable holding it down by your side.
Also nice to shorten it when you are on the trampoline so it doesn't hang way off the side.

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1983 Hobie 16 "Rumpshaker"

I have used the hotsick for about 5 years now and I find it better than many other hiking sticks and even some tillers that I have sailed with. The only problem is the release is a little loose and you may find yourself loosing balance if you do not expect it. You should also keep it out of the sand as much as possible. Hope this helps and pray for me some wind. I actually have a day off tomorrow!

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"Breach hull all die"
'83 H16
'90 Hobie One 12

Yeah, but where are you going to find some water?

MMadge
If you have large hands, are tall or have a wide boat, it's the only stick to use. I also like that ball thingie that Karl is talking about although I use a bicycle grip. I went through a number of sticks trying to save money. Arribas was my final choice. I broke one capsizing once and didn't go sailing again until the new one I ordered arrived. I guess it spoiled me. Also, be advised that the model number in the catalogue might not coincide with the length indicated. They are shorter now so you may want to verify when you order (if you order). By the way . . . I have some slightly used hot sticks (not Arribas) if anyone is interested.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Yea, we have a shortage of water but there is still enough lake to sail in. What I am upset about is the lack of wind in the forecast. 7 mph gusts-ughh!

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"Breach hull all die"
'83 H16
'90 Hobie One 12

Kenobi,
Don't feel bad. We've got the entire Pacific ocean out here and 8Mph has been the average on the week-end for the past month. Of course, that's O.K. if you're sailing a A-Cat but a 320lb Hobie with no square top, I don't think so. I feel like I'm being teased because there are days during the week that the winds are great for sailing. Oh well . . . . it'll pick up evenually. I'm not complaining because we get to sail year round here.

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Happy Sailing,

David

As long as we have water I can sail year round here as well. Last year was the first time I sailed in December. A few days before Christmas!

I know what you mean about testing. It's the old " you really should have been here yesterday" scenario. The breeze is picking up so I may head out after all.

I am thinking about heading down to Tybee Island soon, does anyone know what the boat ramp is like on the south end of the Island? I have seen it marked on the map but have never stopped to take a look.

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"Breach hull all die"
'83 H16
'90 Hobie One 12

Personalized Service
http://www.littlerockweb.com/contact.asp

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HCANA Class Member

The guy who's making the Arriba Sticks now is Hobie 20 sailor Bobby Edmonds from Little Rock, AR.

His wife, Kim is the head of the HCA's Guest Expert Program.

I really like the ball on the end! Karl, I agree, this is really, really comfortable!

But, I have experienced an odd thing and am curious if this is something you all see sometimes or if this is just because I'm very new to the hot stick (which is most likely the case).

So, I was trying to hike out and trying to extend the stick by turning it, but I did not remember whether I locked it clockwise or counter clockwise. Naturally, the first thing I do is I'm locking it even tighter, but by the time I realize it, my hand is fully extended and I'm in the full motion moving out off the tramp. So I end up pulling the tiller with me because I do not have time to unlock it any more... This happened several times.

What did I do wrong? Is there any technique here, like do you always lock it forward and unlock aft?

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Yuri
Hobie 16
Laser Vago

It always unlocks by turning it the same direction, regardless of what side you are on. It is best to think of it in terms of just the stick. I believe it is the same as a screw, counter-clockwise to unlock it, clockwise to lock it. Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey... etc etc.
Sorry if I have that backwards, I am not around it to make sure

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1983 Hobie 16 "Rumpshaker"

Is kevlar an allowed material on the tiller?Here is the tiller some of the Australians use
http://www.cstcomposites.com/tiller_extensions.htm

The only requirement (in North America) is that it be "non-conductive".

I take it these would be diallowed

http://www.cstcomposites.com/tiller_extensions.htm