Stuff you carry on your HobieCat

OK, just to start out, I have 45 years powerboating experience in 6' to 40' boats. Just a few months ago, we purchased a Catalina 27 and started sailing a bit.

Today I picked up an older Hobie 16 and am wondering what & how do you carry stuff (extra gear, picinic basket, etc) on one of these? No compartments, no hatches, no place to stow even a flare kit.

On a side note, THANKS to the crew that put together the FAQ section, I read through each post and now, this is the only question I have that's not answered there.

Merry Christmas
JOhn ><>

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1974 Hobie 16 (not to mention my age, but that's the year I graduated from High school)
1993 Hobie 17 For Sale
JMBoatStuff

If you want to pack a few things on board than get a tramp bag that fastens across the forward part of the tramp.I use a blue tube (designed to keep welding rod dry) for small tools and other items like eye glasses.The blue tube will float too.You don't want a bunch of stuff with you flopping around your tramp.

You should take the very least you can on a 16.Instead of a cooler full of beer,try a jug of gin and tonic.Return to shore as needed to enjoy a lunch break and reload that jug too.....

Happy Sailing to all,Bill 404 21SE

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Bill 404 21SE

Paddle and a 12 pack

A picnic basket? WTF? It's not a mono hull. Just get on and give it!

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I wish winter was not so long in Sask. Canada. It's hard to sail on ice! 1984 16' hobie cat Sail# 84848

soft side cooler with beer and ice....




did i mention beer and ice...

oh ya money for the bar at the beach....

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eric, sail #205

I have the cooler rack that clamps to the front crossbar that will hold a small to medium size cooler. I usually carry a small drybag clipped to the tramp lacing. If needed, I carry a larger drybag, but seldom do. I also have a zip bag that clips to the tramp lacing to carry a tool bag and spare parts along with other nicknacks. The 16 just is not meant to carry much except for two folks hanging out over the side with huge "possum eatin' green persimmon" grins on their faces while sailing circles around monohulls! >>>> Skipper and crew with "possum eatin' green persimmon" grins >>>

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

First you need to reboot your thinking when it comes to sailing. Most monohulls have lots of room for stuff, weight is not normally a concern, go fairly slow, you can, let the tiller go, go below to get a beer, open it, and come back to the tiller, hummm, doesn't work on a fast beach cat. Weight is always a concern, keep it light, light = fast. You need for sure; life jackets, gear to help right the boat in case of a knock down, VHF/GPS if your in the ocean any distance from shore, and applicable clothing. If you are going out for the day pack a small lunch and drinks in a small water proof bag attached to the tramp. Lots of other stuff you could take just remember the primary rule light = fast. Just go out and have fun.

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

If we're racing, then we usually just throw a couple spray tops and some gatorade in the hulls (access ports are very handy and easy to install if you don't have them). I also like to keep a sponge on board to get any water out of the hulls between races. On the tramp, we have a small clip on pouch for a few pieces of line, spare shackles, a pair of plyers and maybe a granola bar.

For day sailing, we typically bring a handheld VHF radio, maybe a cell phone in a waterproof case, a paddle bungeed to the bottom of the tramp, and a soft cooler of beer strapped to the top of the tramp.

sm

The cool rack works well, but I don't know if they still make them. It is made to hold an Igloo swing lid half rack ice chest just in front of the mast. Also 5" deck ports with fat bags can add to storage needs.

I am working on delamination too, so deck ports would come in handy. Will placement in front of the tramp, cause structural issues?
JOhn ><>

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1974 Hobie 16 (not to mention my age, but that's the year I graduated from High school)
1993 Hobie 17 For Sale
JMBoatStuff

No, in front of the front riser is the best place to put them. Also, it is where the delamination 'soft spots' usually occur (people use the spot as a step when getting on and off the boat). If that is where your delamination is you can kill two birds with one stone.

Access ports in front of the front crossbar is about the worst place you can put them. That is probably the most highly loaded area of the hull due to the inward and upward force of the bridle wires (think of how hard you pull on the mainsheet, all that load is trying to bend the bows inward and upward). The deck is highly responsible for providing the structure that resists this load. The fiberglass/foam composite that makes up the deck is much stronger than a thin plastic deck port. Deck ports should only be placed behind the front crossbar.

sm

That's what I was thinking. I think I will avoid them altogether.

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1974 Hobie 16 (not to mention my age, but that's the year I graduated from High school)
1993 Hobie 17 For Sale
JMBoatStuff

No need to avoid access ports all together, just put them behind the pylon. Having storage inside the hull is very convenient. Also having the ability to vent the hull is very beneficial. We usually pull the port covers off during the drive home or during dry weather to let the hulls dry out after sailing.

sm

How big? What diameter ports do you suggest. I set a 6" port there and you would have to build up the edges a 1/2" and 4" ports are a little small for storing stuff.
JOhn ><>

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1974 Hobie 16 (not to mention my age, but that's the year I graduated from High school)
1993 Hobie 17 For Sale
JMBoatStuff