Launching the boat

Ref : MP_WILDCAT_GB

Issued by : Alban ROSSOLLIN

Date : March 2010

Up-date : 0

Page 8/49

OWNER’S MANUAL : HOBIE WILD CAT

How to use your Hobie

Launching the boat is easiest when the boat can be pointed into the wind to keep it de- powered and floated into deep enough water to lower the rudders. It is possible to launch in shallow water with the rudders partly up. Try not to steer with too much force on the rudders until you lock them in the down position. Keep the sail loose and trimmed out completely until you can power up and steer away from any obstacle.

Righting the boat

If you tip the boat over, in order to avoid the mast from sinking under the hull, one of the crew must rapidly climb on the hull that remains on the water. In the meantime, the other crew uncleat all the lines and sheets.

It is not necessary, but it is easier, to right the boat when the bow and the mast are pointed into the wind. There will be less resistance and better control in this position.

Skipper and crew stand up on the hull. Using the righting line, skipper and crew pull the righting line that is against the upper hull and

hold the line while slowly leaning back away from the trampoline. As the mast and sail lift out of the water, drop down to your knees then into the water. Hold on to the crossbar near the hull that you were

standing on.

Be well aware of the hull and crossbar coming down over your head. Holding the crossbar or righting line will also insure that you remain with the boat when it is righted. Climb abord and continue sailing

Storage and maintenance

Hobie Cat does not recommend leaving your Hobie in the water on a mooring. Accelerated wear to the boat and rigging will be experienced. Damage to the hull material is possible. Limitation of the mast rotation and tensioning of the rigging are required to lessen this wear. Inspect rigging often and tape rigging rings and shackles to prevent loosening.

After sailing, it recommended to wash the hulls to remove the salt. Also remove the sails and wash them before storing them.

There is one plug in the rear of each hull. These plugs are used to drain the hulls. The plugs should be in place before sailing. Remove the plugs after sailing to drain any water that may have leaked into the hulls. It is best to travel with and store the boat with the plugs removed to allow for pressure changes due to heating, cooling, and altitude changes. This will prevent warping of the hull surface.