"capsize-ability"

Im wondering about the different Hobie models for tendancy to capsize.

Given the same relative "crew" (more for a larger boat, less for a smaller boat) with the same sailing attidute, how are the different hobie models for tendancy to capsizing. Ie, say I was single on a 14, or I and another on a 16 or I and two others on a H18, are the chances of capsizing the boat on a given day any different for the different models? I would guess the smaller the boat, the easier and more likely it is to capsize?

Or to be more specific, Ive capsized a H14 but only once even though Ive sailed it is some fairly high wind. Im wondering what my chances are going to be with a 16... and would an 18 or a Getaway be even less likely to capsize?

walt, I've sailed 20 years on a H16, the last 4 on a H17Sport and several times on H14s, Waves and a Bravo. In general the H14 and H16 tend to pitchpole easier due to their rocker style hull, especially in gusty conditions and if you don't get your weight in the right place. Otherwise capsizing has more to do with the skill of the crew, how hard you are pushing it and weather conditions than the size of the boat.

My Hobie Cat 21 SE is very very hard to turn over
Gary
Hobie Cat 21 SE
USA 415

One of my last sails this season was on a windy day and as I came out of our cove I saw a 21, complete with the cuddy, over and a trimaran working on getting it up. I assume it was not coming up without an assist from a boat with a motor. I hung around to see if they needed any more help but they got it up and headed back in.

_________________

Frank, sailing '02 Getaway in Wichita KS. Lake Cheney
(Hobie 17 RIP, storm of '05)

The 14 and 16 are super easy to pitchpole due to the low volume in the bows. Especially on a reach or going downwind.

The 20 is just generally a very powerful boat, so it can pretty easily be knocked over if you're not paying attention, and it will pitchpole going downwind in a blow in spite of its high-volume bows, though not like a 14 or 16.

The 17 and 18 are pretty forgiving all around. The 18 is really hard to pitchpole because it's got so much volume in the bows.

Never sailed a Tiger, but I would imagine it would be somewhere between the 18 and the 20, but with the added challenge of running a chute downwind.

It mostly has to do with the skill/experience of the crew whether you swim or not.

sm

Its much harder to pitchpole with the spinnaker up. It will pull it back from certain death most of the time.

The tiger is actually easier to sail with the chute up. Gybes are smoother and the boat likes to lift the bows and power through everything. And till 18 months ago neither me or my wife had ran a chute boat.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/