Cat Trax

I have a Hobie 14 and have recently purchased some used Cat Trax, without hull cradles, and I'm never seen them used.

I'm looking some seasoned sailors to give me some words of wisdom on loading, tieing down, and dollying the cat, over a good stretch of sand in FL.

Thanks!

Position the Cat Trax in front of the bows.
Lift the bows (usually I do that) and have a helper roll the Trax under the hulls (usually my wife does that). Keep the Trax centered. It is possible to do this solo, with some practice, using the 'balance on one foot while the other foot rolls the Trax under the boat' method. Anyone else have an improved way of doing this? I guess you can call for volunteers, if there are any around.

Roll the Cat Trax towards the stern until it is in line with the shrouds, the natural balance point of the Hobie. Take the lines that extend from the end of the axle, and wrap them snugly twice around the shroud anchor/shrouds. Tie a slip knot (a quick release knot) at each shroud.

The Hobie should be ready to roll, balanced, and easy to move. I usually 'steer' the Hobie by holding onto the bridle wires.

We roll the Hobie right into the water (inland sailing), deep enough to remove the wheels, again taking them forward so they don't interfere with the rudders, then we park the boat on the beach while we finish rigging and load up our crew. My guess is that for ocean sailing, you'll park the boat 3 ft above the water, remove the wheels, and then complete the rigging prior to launch.

Two last things: remove the lines/ropes gently, they can pull out ring dings without you being aware, and second, the Hobie will sail better if you remove the Cat Trax. Don't ask how I know!

_________________
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.'

From the manufacturer's site:



John - spot on about the ocean. The distance just varies with the wave action. Keep the boat just high enough that it's not getting pushed around while rigging.

Then, of course you have to consider whether the tide is rising or falling, how long it takes you to rig, and whether you are going out immediately after rigging...