Wings or No Wings

I recently purchased a Getaway. I've sailed a lot of Catamarans but never one with wings. They look strange to me and I'm tempted to remove them. Of course, I'll sail the boat with them first. I would value peoples opinion on sailing with/without the wings.

I appreciate your response.

Once you try them, you'll love them.

On most beach cats, you need to be able to hike out.
With wings, the 'platform' is narrower, so you may feel restricted.

However, once you get used to sitting up on the wings, you'll find
it much more comfortable. Dryer, more relaxing, and a better view.
Plus in stronger winds, your weight is further
outboard, and therefore similar to hiking out.

In lighter winds, sit on the hulls or tramp, and lean your back against the wings.

Don't like them? Remove them, and you're good to go.

Enjoy

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Keep the wing seats on! They are great to sit on or use as a back rest when sitting on the hulls.

My first cat with wings was a H17, after that, I'd never go back. They really open up the boat, giving more space and comfort. They dont hinder performance as far as I can tell.

I've sat, trapezed and hiked on everything from Penguins and Lasers to 505s to Maxis, and I've never used wings until I bought my 21SC 4 years ago.

Now for the life of me I cannot understand why more boats don't use them. You are high, dry, straight back, and the same righting moment as if you were killing yourself hiking.

_________________
Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice...

We've had our Getaway since 2006 and love the wings. They make longer sails even more comfortable by providing a back support while siting on the hull or a place to stretch out when sailing from the wings.

No Wings!
As much as the wing are good and comfortable, I found the getaway more fun and lively without them.

Crobiecat, could you expand on why you find the Getaway more fun and lively without the wings?

_________________
Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice...

Same as you pcarpenter. I just discover the wings with a used Getaway I buy this summer... and love it.

OK, for the one who is used to put himself outside of the cat, it's a little mind change, but it appear to me as a great ressource with kids. Mine are young (2 to 8 years old) so the wings create a kind of border between them and the water.

I found that sitting on the hull, next to the water, I was much more in sync with the environment.
Could hike out above the water.
Didn't have the bulky wings that felt like a big visual barrier.
The boat was lighter, easier to balance, and had less drag on leeward when flying.
Trapeze option is available without the wings.
Easier to jump in and out of the boat when launching.

I did like the wings when I had them. But I felt the boat was more enjoyable without.

wings are the best!! save your back hiking out. the only drawback is when I find myself on a starting line with a bunch of 16s; those wings make you wide.........

How much do they weight ?

_________________
2 Hulls Cezar

Very, very little. It's just an aluminum tube with some canvas. I'd say that the vast majority of people who have the option go with the wings.

_________________
Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice...

My first boat was a Hobie 17 with wings. Sat on them, trapped off them, loved them.
My only complaint about the Getaway wings is that they aren't the hammock type like the other boats, which I find more comfortable. Other than that, I like them. Any cat I own would have wings. I passed up a Miracle 20 with custom wings, have kicked myself since!

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

I wish I could figure out a way to put wings on my trimaran. I miss the comfort of having a backrest...granted, I did add a stadium seat which served the purpose.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II