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PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:10 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:06 pm
Posts: 2
Hi everyone, I am considering purchasing a Hobie primarily for the pedaling aspect but also very interested in sailing. The Adventure Island is out of the question for me and while considering the Adventure and Revo I've come across conflicting opinions about sailing.

While reading the boards it sounds like both models sail just fine for a kayak. A local dealer in So Cal was adamant that the sail is just a 'downwind' sail and you really can't tack or sail upwind unless you go with the AI. I don't think he was trying to up-sell me, he really seemed to believe what he was telling me. I'd be grateful to hear your experience sailing either model as I would hope to be able to spend a few hours sailing around on the ocean from time to time and want to make sure I I can do it. I'm not looking to race around, just a relaxed pace.

Thanks!

Paul


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 Post subject: Welcome
PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:53 am 
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Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2006 4:50 pm
Posts: 494
Location: sacramento california
Hi Ya Pablo
Welcome to the site. I dont think he was trying to up sell ya either but the information they may have imparted to you on the standard sail was not accurate based on my experience. I have used the sail many times to tack and reach and downwind jibe etc etc etc. I also believe that these are mainly kayaks first though and not "little sail boats" and try to always keep that in mind when I go out. The sail is primarily an "aid" to pedalling by design (as I understand it) and works quite well within those parameters. If thats all you expect when using it then anything more is a bonus. I also try not to use the sail in winds over 15knts , any more than that seems like more hassle than its worth to me but your "smileage may vary". At any rate whichever way you go these things are a lot of fun and a nice change from the ol' bike
l
----------Kepnutz----------
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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 7:18 am 
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Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:56 am
Posts: 822
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Quote:
A local dealer in So Cal was adamant that the sail is just a 'downwind' sail and you really can't tack or sail upwind unless you go with the AI.


Hey Paul,
What a bunch of baloney! It never ceases to amaze me how little some Hobie dealers know about their products. Obviously some of them don't have a clue about sailing a Mirage Drive yak, and/or have never done it. That is the beauty of the Hobie sail kit over some other kayak add-on sailing products out there. You can sail (and tack) beautifully both upwind and downwind with the Hobie Mirage sail kit--either the BigA/AI model or the "standard" Hobie sail kit on the Outback, Sport, Revo, etc.

Of course, the Mirage Drive does double duty in such cases (non-BigA or AI that both have a separate daggerboard). First, it is very useful in coming about. Second, it is important to keep the fins fully extended so they can act as a centerboard/daggerboard to cut down on side-slipping when sailing or tacking. Try it, you'll like it! Oh yeah, a hearty welcome to the Hobie site--great folks and great info here.
Best,
Dick

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Last edited by Apalach on Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:42 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:22 am 
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Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:19 pm
Posts: 10
the adventure will sail upwind. get the daggerboard and it definatly will. actually i think it reaches better than it sails downwind..the sail kind folds up when sailing straight downwind....

Dan


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:39 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Yes, dealer is ignorant. Both boats sail well to windward. Adventure with daggerboard option can obviously point a little higher than the others, has an edge on speed; Revolution is a little easier to handle in gusty winds and tacks a bit quicker. Both are lots of fun!

Be sure to get the sailing rudder with either boat -- it makes a huge difference! 8)


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:00 am 
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Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2007 6:31 am
Posts: 4
Location: New Hampshire
The Revo sails upwind nicely in lighter winds. As the wind increases you get a fair amount of leeway. As Kepnutz says, over 15kts is tough. I got caught out on the bay Sunday when the wind increased from about 10 kts to 20+ kts. The entire bay became waves, whitecaps, and foam. I could not tack into the wind. As soon as the sail stopped luffing, I started to roll, with the sidekick ama getting buried. Since I was uncomfortable taking the sail down in that wind, I decided to reverse course and hit a small cove and get in the lee of a point of land. Pedalled like mad to get turned quickly and flew back to the cove. Even in the high winds, the Revo sailed well downwind. I was hitting 6.5 mph on a smooth keel, the ama's never hit the water. After taking the sail down I pedalled back to a narrower, more protected section of the bay, and hoisted sail again. I was able to get a long beam reach back to the launch at a steady 5.5 mph (with the tide). Except for the fear inspired by that big inflatable ama going under, the trip was a blast!


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:52 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 4:43 am
Posts: 130
Location: Seal Beach California
Adding roller furling will make eliminating the sail area a snap.


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 Post subject: Thanks...
PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:55 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:06 pm
Posts: 2
...for all of your comments. I pulled the trigger and I'm the proud new owned of a red Adventure!

Best regards,

Paul


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:33 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Congratulations on an excellent choice! 8)


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