FX One Mast Rake Tuning & Weather Helm

Mark Miller, et al,

I have read both the manufacturer's information as well as the cat sailing book on this subject, but cannot translate it into what we need. The first question is if we are a light crew or heavy. Dressed out with gear we are about 325 lbs. total load. The FX One is rated at 400 lbs. capacity, so are we light or heavy since the boat is designed for single-handed sailing? The books reference that for light crews in big air you should go with more rake (back). The other advantage is that you can generally point closer to the wind, as well as it will produce weather helm. I noticed some other FX Ones rake back at least three pin holes further than mine, which is maxed out right in the middle of the side stay shroud adjusters. If our sidestay shrouds are equal in length this tells me I need to either lengthen my forestay or bridle stays, which would be best and with what application (longer wires or shroud adjusters)?

The other item is the rudder adjustment, right now they are dead even offering the least amount of resistance. Is there a value to either toe-in or toe-out the leading edge of the rudders?

My objectives are safety and then performance. We sail in a pretty busy bay with varied conditions in both water and air speeds. I want to prevent a runaway sailboat in the event of a knock-off. The other thing is that when the chop it high as well as the wind I want as much control as possible. The wave piercing hulls are amazing and thus far continually burying them back to the lead cross bar on the tramp has not produced a pitch-pole episode and I would like to keep it that way. The FX One design and hull volume make it a low rider compared to a lot of cats, and you do drink some water when it is pounding, but she just keeps hammering. Hats off to Hobie Cat Europe and their design team.

So, based on our crew weight I would like to set the boat up for the harder conditions, which I know will compromise us on lighter air days but offer us peace of mind when it is blowing and going and we are letting the boat eat for all she is worth (which is actually more than we are worth right now ) Your input on mast rake and rudder adjustment is appreciated.

The guys at Hobie that help me out with FX-one tuning are Greg Thomas or Jacques. They could probably answer these questions. What wind are you sailing in? Water conditions? How is your boat rigged main, jib, spi?

Matt, Do you think it's time for an FX forum?

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The boat is equipped with the self-tacking jib and spinnaker option with trumpette snuffer. There is a carbon fiber righting stick and double trapeze, but other than that no additional weight.

The Raritan Bay (Sandy Hook, NJ) area can be quite choppy (3' - 4') in the main body of water due to current and boat traffic. Wind can blow from barely a breeze to small craft advisory conditions. The wind is typically related to time of year (stronger in spring and fall, milder in summer) like most areas. If I were guessing the typical range it would be around 7knots to 12knots, which is ideal. 20knots can be fun though!

I am not looking for race tuning (I'm not that good to need to get more out of the boat, I am working to get more out of me first!)

Yes, I think an FX One forum would be good. Even the Bravo has a forum!