Hi Folks,
This is really just a saying hello, and to ask really if a Hobie 14 turbo is a suitable boat to learn to sail in? Just thought I would shout up as I have been restoring a Hobie 14 turbo that was given to me about two years ago, and it's finally ready to be sailed. I have taken it out on the water once before, part way through and discovered several more things that needed to be completed. When it arrived it had an unregistered trailer that I have pulled apart and rebuilt, and now has ACT rego. It came with two mains, and a jib with a roller furler, two trapeze wires and the general rigging. I have had to replace a lot of the metal work, and fabricate a bracket (gudgeon??) for the rudder assembly (which was falling apart) and generally give the boat a good clean and lube. Not too sure on the correct terms.
I am an adult male tipping the scales at 90kg dry, not sure if I am over the limit for a 14, I have heard differing opinions on their limits. When I had it out on Lake Burley Griffin it was a bit of a rocket in a straight line (to the point of being a little scary) and then I spent about 40 minutes unable to get out of irons, and had a tow back in. It seems tacking the 14 is an issue according to the number of threads on tacking I can find on various forums. I am considering trying to find a trade for something like a laser that is easier to sail and I can learn on, before getting something that requires more technique to sail.
Sailing is going to be a casual thing for me, so is it the best thing to learn on, or am I best selling a functional boat and looking for a similar age laser (or similar) to learn on. A friend has a laser and we are planning on going sailing this weekend so I can give it a try and he can try the Hobie and see if he can give me some advice. Clearly getting in touch with my local sailing org should be on my list, but that is something that I haven't done yet, mainly because I am trying to keep the hobbie cheap and casual.
Looking forward to hearing your opinions, and advice on the best way to move forwards from here.
Regards,
Cup
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