Sailing with Pets

When we start using our new TI in the spring we would like to sail with our entire family including our crazy Vizsla (kinda like a german short hair). He has a propensity to go after birds and other small animals without regard to location or safety. We were obviously going to make him wear a life vest and I was thinking of attaching at least a 25 ft. lead to him. I figured a nice long lead would allow him to jump but give me time to stop the boat while at the same time keep him from getting too far. Does anyone else sail with their pets and if so what do you use to keep them safe?

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

I'm sure I would attach a lead between her and the boat. If she did jump off, you'll be faster under pedal power than she will under dog-paddle power so you can easily get to her quickly enough. I may very well be wrong, but I think you might get either yourself or the dog in trouble with a tether between the two. I'm sure somebody with more experience than me in pet sailing will chime in.

Hi Tom.
We usually sail with our Dalmation.
Although she chases the birds when we are on the beach she doesn't show an inclination whilst on the TI.
In fact below shows her usual pastime.

We purchased a life jacket which also has a strong strap to lift her from the water if she does go overboard.

The only problem we had was with her getting wet and cold in the wind.
As you can see, I made a tramp which keeps her out of the water as we found the Hobie tramp had too much sag. We also get her to wear that jacket under the life jacket to keep her warm.

Now that she is comfortable I wonder who is more keen to go sailing, the dog or I.

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Cheers, Brian in South Australia
Tandem Island -

Apologies for the size of the picture, I didn't pick the reduced one obviously.

ChangeMan,

Good looking dog! I had a dalmatian as a kid, super smart dog. I'm thinking he might stay on the boat with the kids. He pitches a fit when they are outside the house and he is still in. The last time we were in Michigan he ripped the leash right out of my hand and took off toward some seagulls about 50 yards off the beach and started swimming towards Wisconsin. Water was probably 70°. Thought we were going to have to call the CG to recover a drowned dog. He finally tired and swam back but it was a nerve wracking experience. Hence, why I'm trying to find a good method for keeping him safe.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

TI-Tom, I'm a veterinarian and have sailed with our dog on our AI. My pet was a bit nervous at first when getting on an island. As a result, he wanted to stay with the boat and paid little attention to the wildlife that he would normally chased after. I think that this would be typical of most dogs. Still, I would leash the dog to the boat on the first few sailing trips until he/she proves to you that they will stay on board without the lease. Thats how I did it and it worked well.

Greg

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

Sounds good Greg, thanks!

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Two more things. I would not let him on the boat without the life jacket as previously mentioned. I would not have my dog on the boat in winds over 12 mph or waves over 2 feet. Its just me. I like to fish for fish, not dogs.

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

One last thing, use a quick release snap shackle on the end of the leash furthest from the dog. Otherwise he could end up trapped under the tramps or the hull if he goes off the front end of the boat.

Greg

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

Good thinking on the snap shackle. I don't even think I want my younger two kids on the boat in that high of a wind, at first.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Speaking of dogs and water, I used to have a newfoundland. These reaslly re waterdogs, and used to be carried on windjammers, to jump overboard and rescue any crew member who fell in from the rigging.

I made the mistake of letting him have a swim at a marina, and he kept us "amused" by swimming along the row, closely looping every single boat like he was inspecting them. After more than half an hour, he came back with a smile on his face!

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

I cannot let the opportunity pass to post this video evidence of how enthusiastic our doggie friends can be about water! Courtesy Go Pro I believe
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UowkIRSDHfs

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

That dog was moving! Definitely getting antsy for spring to arrive so we can get out and enjoy the water with our new toy. I think this is the vest we are going to purchase for the dog http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKIRFY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2IKUB0W6XRFVE&coliid=IJORFTTN9XJMO&psc=1 and I'll pick up a 25 ft. hunting lead from Cabela's or Bass Pro. I'll attach it to the boat using a quick release snap shackle. Now to figure out where to attach it on the boat...I just keep picturing this scene from National Lampoon's Vacation


Thanks for all the great advise everyone.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

If you have never seen these underwater photos of dogs swimming they are hilarious.
http://littlefriendsphoto.com/index2.ph ... er_Dogs/22
Chris

Greg,
Thank you for the tip on leashing up our dogs . I have two border collies Roxie 40 lbs &
Rocco 70 lbs . I have fished from my kayak with Roxie and her now deceased older brother Ziggy for many years . Rocco is 2 and at 70 lbs can be a handful. I am new to the hobie fourm and plan on placing an order for a 15 TI in the near future . I am not new to saling as I stared saling Hobie Cats 14,16, and 18's on Wisconsin inland lakes and Lake Michigan as kid. I really enjoy this fourm and look forward sailing with my dogs .

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Rj
Hill Country Texas
Near Canyon Lake