I could use some
advice. I have two Hobie PA-14's, used primarily for inshore coastal saltwater fishing in Northeast Florida. I have two sailing kits, bought primarily to get back to shore safely in event of thunderstorms, or even to help speed these lovable tubs to fishing areas and not leave me completely drained. 'Til now, I've left my sailing kits at home since the more needed H-bars are simultaneously incompatible with the sails; plus leaving the sailing kits on the trailer at the boating ramp would have them stolen within an hour.
Was wondering if Hobie makes any kits to effectively, securely, and cleverly stowe these sails outside the transoms during the course of a normal fishing day? Something akin to the Hobie rod holders? I'm somewhat incredulous to learn that Hobie
doesn't have some cleverly engineered transom transom kit, albeit priced in the stratosphere. I've got roughly $600 worth of rigging sitting in my garage, used only on a "dedicated" sailing day- which is just not the priority. These PA's sail like lead sleds-- the kits are cool, but just an adjunct; albeit a safety & timeliness adjunct. I figure they add another 1-2 knots, which could be significant.
I brought them once, inside the craft, but this was just on the 1st shakedown cruise to try them out (no fishing gear). Now, with plenty of real fishing gear on the needed deck space, plus the advent of fishy guts, these will definitely get in the way, and ruined. The sails need to be transported -- outside, in their black canvas bags. They're sure to get salt-water spray or even logged, but I'm sure if rinsed off, they'll be fine. The craft get a good hosing down anyway.
I thought of bungee-ing, of course, but this is kind of bush-league, opens the door to a pop-off and subsequent sink. I can't see putting noodles on them. Plus the masts are straight, but the hulls are curved. I was thinking of something like those holiday "J- Hooks" that one puts outside one's front door to hang Christmas wreaths; something like the horizontal rod holders, but ***wider***, specifically for the masts. But isn't that Hobie's design department?
With the afternoon thunderstorms in NE Florida, getting back to the ramp ahead of the lightning is clearly preferred. Even with a headwind, tacking w the sails has got to be better than just peddling. Plus as I transport these things with their covers on, I need to get back in time to fiddle with all this stuff (collapsing H bars, trailering, lashing, stowing, etc etc.), long before the "Zaps" come.
Any thoughts? Or have I missed a Hobie product addition? Thanks.
PS: speaking of noodles. I stowed some fishing gear inside the rear hatch. It shifted, going way inside the hull. I couldn't reach, no matter what I did, including an 18" grabbing tool. Clever me, I shoved in a shop vac nozzle, and cranked it up. Um, needless to say, up came some foam, from somewhere deep within. Now What? Just shove it back in anywhere, or isn't it supposed to be secured someplace? I wondered if I should shove some pool noodles up in there for added buoyancy? Don't know what, if anything, that part of the cockpit is good for, except added weight.