Launching a Hobie fox 20

Im thinking of buying a Hobie fox, and sail in Skaneateles lake in NY, its not a sandy lake, But was wondering how hard it is to launch a fox 20 off a shore that is not sand. I sail a Hobie 16 and launch with no problems,but will also drag it on the beach, I no I can't do that with a 20.JackH

You should probably post this in open or Formula 18 forum. Most of the sailors here have not had to worry much about how delicate some of the newer designs are. There is a big difference from the time they were designed. The 14 and 16 were made to sail in the surf and scoot up the beach for relaunch. It was kind of an afterthought that these boats found their way to the race course.

The Fox, Tiger and Wildcat are racing machines. They should not be dragged in the sand much less finding something harder like concrete, rocks and such. The best way to launch is to use a set of Cat Wheels after the boat is fully rigged and rolling it into the water. Have 1 person hold the boat floating while the other puts the Wheels back. From Trailer to Cat Wheels with chocks on the sterns while rigging to floating off the wheels into the water is the best way.

You would not like the frequency of hull repairs if you did it any other way. By the way you will not regret the ride, it is a sweet boat.

Later,
Dan

As said above- you pretty much must use beach wheels with the newer racing boats.

Step the mast with the boat on the trailer. Then pull it off the trailer and directly onto the beach wheels (padding under the sterns is a good idea unless you're on grass). Finish rigging the boat and then roll it into the water to the point that it's floating with the wheels off the bottom. Untie the wheels and slide them out from under the boat. One person holds the boat, the other puts the wheels on the beach.

When you come in, the procedure is just in reverse. You don't want to sail the boat onto the beach, so stop the boat 20 to 40 feet off the shore and walk it the rest of the way in.

If you're just taking a break during the day, throw down some padding on the beach (old life jackets or towels). Then with two people standing side-by-side in front of the front crossbar facing forward, each grab the dolphin striker post & crossbar, lift up and walk forward, then place the boat down onto the padding (sterns still in the water).

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Thanks for the info Jackh