Hi Everyone, New Sailor Here!

Hello everyone, my name is Greg and I have a problem... o wait

Umm I am 22 and have been around the ocean and boats my whole life, we've always had power boats though, and my fiance's family is into larger powerboats. But me, I've always had a fascination with sailing.

So I finally decided to step away from all the power boating(although I'm sure not going to give it up, can't fish as easily on a sailboat ) and learn to sail.

My first step was to purchase a Walker Bay 8' Sailing Dinghy, I bought it for $400 delivered to my door from a friend at my fiance's families marina. I also have been given an ancient 12' Catamaran that needs new sails.

I have already named my walker bay the "Puddle Pirate" because pirates have been my thing for a long long time. From ren faires to having a full library of nautical history and pirate history books I figured it fit quite well.

I figured I'd start looking for forums and communities to talk to as I begin my ventures.

I also decided for everyones entertainment and my probable personal dismay I will keep a blog of my sailing ventures from start to hopefully no end at runningbeforethewind.com.

I just got back from a small maiden voyage at the lake, it went fairly well minus a small tear in the sail but I already knew that sail was on it's last leg. and getting stranded middle of the lake because the wind just STOPPED. once it picked up again i was good to go.

although i am really suprised how low that it sits in the water when weight is on it, it sinks the whole way down to the blue top deck, is that right? it did not take on any water, just seems that maybe its in need of new foam in the legs?

by the end of my session i was ripping around pretty good, but the wind wasn't very strong maybe 4-5mph. hopefully sunday its coming in a little stronger.

you can see what i mean about how far it sinks in the pictures at this post.

http://runningbeforethewind.com/?p=19

If you anyone could check out the pics and tell me if I have a problem when it comes to it's draft depth it would be greatly appreciated.

_________________
http://www.runningbeforethewind.com
From landlubber to sailor, my sailing diary.

Greg,

The Hobie 3.5 is made for someone that is under 140 lbs(most likely the junior market). Not sure what you weigh, but it may very well be a weight issue as to why it rides so low in the water. Also be sure to check that the hulls are not taking on or holding water. I know very little about this boat, but did a search on Google for Hobie 3.5 and came up with some info. Also search this forum and beachcats.com for Hobie 3.5. Looks like there are not too many of those around. Good luck and welcome to the sport!

_________________
'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Hi - yes, the Hobie 3.5 was designed for the "lightweight" crowd. I weigh 180# and find that a 14' Hobie is borderline small for me, though still fun and flyable.

Judging by your photo of the cat at the edge of the lake, it appears that you may be missing the blocks (pulleys) that control the boom & sail. Or maybe you hadn't finished rigging the boat ...

In that photo, it appears to be floating at a reasonable level in the water, with nobody on board.

Beach the boat, raise the nose several feet & pull the drain plugs at the stern of each hull, then let it sit overnight to make sure it's not taking on water.

Let me pass on one bit of sailing advice - leave shore against the wind, so you can get back with the wind if something goes wrong.

Enjoy.

Greg,

Welcome! WOW a Hobie 3.5, I haven't seen one of those in decades! I'd check the hulls for leaking as ET said and just give her a good once over. It doesn't matter what type of Hobie you have as long as your sailing and having fun! Welcome to the family, and have a Hobie day!

Take care,

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954