Anti Pitch pole for a Getaway

We had a pretty nasty pitch pole incident last year where I flew into a side stay cable and still bear a nice bruise across my thigh 8 months later.

I have seen the issue discussed for other Hobies but not sure if there is a device for the Getaway. Does anyone know if they are available, or if they work?

The anti-pitch pole device available in the Hobie catalog is made for the H16. I do not think there is one available for the getaway. They probably don't make one because it's not nearly as much an issue for the getaway. Not saying it doesn't happen, just maybe not much of a market for it.

Of course I could be wrong - there might be something out there but I haven't really looked into it.

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2002 Getaway - SOLD in 2018 "Cheshire Cat"
2016 AI - Bought used 3.18.23 "Crabby Puppy"

Anti pitch pole for the Hobie Getaway... is the size of the bow in the design of the boat. It is a lot of volume and very forgiving. Very different from the H14 / H16 which can trip over the bow / pitch pole, so we don't have an accessory designed for the Getaway. It's really not needed. Of course, you CAN pitch pole any cat, so some technique is important. If you are in conditions that are pushing the bows down hard... travel out the main or sheet out to reduce the load. If you sail in wave conditions that catch the forward trampoline... consider removing the forward trampoline.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I suppose you could take some aluminum sheet and make something. I had them in my 16 and didn't think they made much difference. On my getaway I find I really need to be pushing hard before it has any tendency to pitch-pole. Like Matt said just run the main traveler out about 1/2 way and sheet in, that will take some of the load off the leeward bow.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

The Getaway is about as pitchpole resistant as a sport cat can be without being underpowered. I think more tiller time would be a better solution. Here are a few suggestions:
Good weight distribution - bow and stern level. Bow can be a little elevated, but performance will suffer a bit.
Rudder management - especially on a beam to broad reach (avoid plowing into the backs of waves). Round up & sheet out if the leeward hull digs in.
Don't cleat the main in a blow
Furl the jib in a blow.
Back off a little on how hard you are driving the boat.

However in sport cat sailing, some capsizing is expected .