Centerboard

Hi
Any idea how to get rid of the centerboard when you do not need it, and still be able to get hold of it quick. I am not using trampolines, but has locked it in the up-position using a rubber pipe to stick in between to tighten it. Any other ideas?

I haven't tried this, but would it fit in the centre hatch?
What I have done when I wanted the dagger board up out of the way (in shallows) is to hook the bungee forwards to hold it up, can't remember what I hooked it on though.

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Either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!

This is what I came up with...


Just make sure the bungee is teathered, as some have lost theirs (they DONT float!)

I attach a small SS carabiner (seen under the handle in the top picture) after pushing the bungee through the plastic loop, so it can't "leave".

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

The daggerboard does fit in the centre hatch, although with the gearbucket in it's a bit of a chore getting it in/out. Bob's solution is more convenient.
I too use a small stainless carabiner clipped onto the d/b bungee. Once threaded through the screweye the crab is clipped onto the bungee loop to stop it coming out.

I keep mine on a 3' tether so when I want it out of the way, it's easy to flip into the cargo well with the right hand -- takes no time at all. The cargo well bungees seem to hold it in place. The handle is left just behind the seat for a quick retrieval without turning around. I like Bob's idea though and will have to try it!

Same as Roadrunner for me; I frequently store mirage drive, rudder and drive well plug (according to the conditions,not all 3 together). I've made long leashes (about 3 feet) tied to the crossbar right behind the seat,so that they're attached at every moment. Very handy and with the bungee, I too find everything is well maintained, even in chop.

I dunno if it would work with the fatter wheels, but this setup works fine for me with the standard cart.

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On the issue of the centreboard, I am unsure how more effective if any it is compared with the mirage drive with fins in vertical position so I have been leaving mine at home lately. Any comments on its relative effectiveness would be appreciated...Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

Pirate, at very low sailing winds I don't put in the daggerboard and use the turbo fins as a dagerbboard to save on drag. But once the winds get over 6 mph or so, It helps you not to loose ground by slipping sideways.

I also remove the daggerboard for downwind unless I've got stronger winds, then I can use all the help I can get!

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Pirate, I've developed a rule of thumb that I consider using the daggerboard at about the same stage that I consider furling the sail. That's a good bit more than winds of 6mph, but Bob is a lot more experienced than I am (as are you). I've only really noticed any side-slip close-hauling up a narrow channel in wihds of 20+ kph (12+ mph). Maybe I'm missing something .

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My AI is the smallest sailing craft I have ever owned.
All of my boats have had a larger centerboard area versus
the hull than the AI.
I have noticed more 'sideslip' on the AI, and she heads upwind
at a much greater angle to the wind.
I am wondering what would be the positives and negatives
if Hobie were to install a 'mirror image' centerboard well
on the portside, so that a second centerboard could be inserted?
Would the added drag cause more problems than the second board
might assist in pointing upwind?

The AI's tendency to bury the leeward ama as the wind gets stronger must help a lot with counteracting side-slip.

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In lighter wind, I have lots of time to play with gear, and often play with my GPS. I can definitely see a difference in tracking, with and without the daggerboard in. To a lesser degree with the Turbo fins down vs up. Also I can see the speed reduction each with the Daggerboard and the Mirage drive in.

I guess little things intrigue me

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

How do you do that with the Garmin Bob? Do you set a destination, then go by the distance off course reading?

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Yep, trying it in different directions, at different wind speed, while watching the map, zoomed in, to see the effect. Compare to a programed track and it's easy to see any extra "drift".

When the wind finally comes up each day, it's a bit crazy, and gets busy. So before then, when it's light, there's lots of time to tweek.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006