Weight limit on wings, maximum wind for sailing.

Hello Everybody:... I have a question for the Hobie design team...
The wings have a weight limit of 450 lbs, which is about 3 medium sized adults. I have seen boats sailings with 5 adults on one wing, and they seem sturdy enough to handle that.
So I was wondering if the weight limit is due to a limitation of the wing itself, or because with more weight you'll be able to counterbalance more wind which will put too much stress on the other components of the boat (like the mast, sail, crossbars, etc).
I've also seen a boat that went out so with 5 people on the wing with LOTS of wind, and the mast got bent, which is why I ask the question.
Does Hobie give a maximum wind where you should sail so you don't cause structural damage to the boat?

regards,

Guillermo

Weight limits are set at very reasonable expectations for the hardware to handle. Not really related to the righting moment or how much power you can put on the rig.

For maximum wind... We rely on your local coast guard recommendations. Maximum wind is the small craft advisories limit. It varies by region due to differences in wind and water conditions.

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2009/10/small-craft-advisories-and-boating-safety/

The small craft advisory is a range of wind speed and wave height. We would not advise sailing in anything entering the small craft advisory range.

Most small craft advisories go into effect at the low to mid 20 knot range. In California that is at 21 knots, so 20 knots would be the max we would suggest there.

Warranty does not cover sailing in small craft advisory conditions.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)