Surf Launch

Launched the boat from the beach yesterday for the first time. Wind 10-12kts, waves 2-4ft. It was a total blast! It just amazes me how tough this boat is and the abuse it can take. Coming in we were surfing the waves in. What a rush! I thought I had peaked out on the fun meter with this boat, but this is a whole new catagory of fun. Coolest part was, I was able to gain some major experience without breaking anything!

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Mims, FL

Aye sir,

I launched mine from the beach today for the first time as well. It was also the first time the boat has been in the water in ten years! I've cleaned her up and she's sailing well. I launched from Huguenot Park in Jax. Wasn't sure how I was gonna pull it off the trailer and everything, or get it back up without help but somebody offered assistance so I took him sailing with me. Guy from Russia, never been on a sailboat, and now he wants to buy one.

After doing this with someone to work the jib sheet for me on the launch, I'm questioning whether or not I could do it all on my own. Any tips for loading/unloading directly to the beach single handed? And launching single handed? If I bought cat trax would that be enough to get the boat near the level of the trailer? As of now I'm just winching it up but I'm afraid I'll mess something up...

Btw, congrats Max...I share your excitement!

Luckily I had a few people there to help with the loading and unloading. I think I could have done it on my own, but I'd have had to get very creative. I brought along several lengths of 3 inch pvc to lay on the sand, which helps the boat slide to where you want it. Wish I had cat Trax!

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Mims, FL

Cat Trax are a life saver and well worth the investment for beach sailing. My 16 stays on the beach and I can spin it around and get it up on the Cat Trax no problem. If you get it perfectly balanced you can move it by yourself (pulling dolphin striker). Most of the time someone walking by will offer to help. Powering out through the waves is no big deal on a South, West, or North wind. An East wind is a bit tricky as you don't want to be sideways in bigger breaking swells. Also check for any swimmers/surfers before you launch.
I agree that surfing the swells in is the best part but make sure you keep the weight in back and don't let the wave push you sideways. Sailing a Hobie is the surf is by far the best way to enjoy them.

Missing swimmers was my greatest concern and at times presented a challenge. I got sideways once on a fairly large wave and was surprised we didn't capsize! Had to utilize weight management to the fullest on that one! It was amazing how eager strangers were to help with loading/unloading boat.Heres a video of going outbound. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTbKXpx5xGU

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Mims, FL