HOBIE SAIL

[FISHPEDDLER]

Hi, I'm considering buying a hobie sail for my Hobie Outback Fisherman and just wondering if anyone with experience can let me know the pros and cons. Thanks Paul

[Ranger]

I am one of the least experienced. In fact, after sailing nothing in my life, and having no idea on what I'm doing, I recently tried sailing my Outback for the first time.

After also purchasing the Hobie sidekick amas set, I took it out last weekend in some fairly sheltered waters, in about a 7-10 knot wind to give it a try.

I was impressed! It was dead easy, although in the light winds I encountered I also pedalled at the same time, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time out.

I'm planning to take it out again soon in some slightly blowier conditions (10-15 knots) to see how it goes, and then I'll also give it a go without the sidekicks to see how I fare.

I can see both fishing and rod storage being a bit of an issue with the sail up, and I'd also like to see some method of furling the sail when not in use, which it currently lacks.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[johnH]

I'll echo what Ranger has said as I haven't sailed anything before giving the hobie sail a go.

I also got the sidekicks and after going out when there were some strong gusts, I'm not going to sail without them. It would have been very easy to be thrown in the water if the sidekicks didn't keep me upright (Those with more sailing experience might manage without them).

I've made up a furling system for the sail and I reckon it is a must have mod. It's so easy to make just have a look at this vid:

[mal.com]

Hi I have had a Hobie sail on my Outback for a while now, its brilliant. I tend to do more mucking around sailing than serious fishing now. Besides the water is too cold and the snapper are being uncooperative.

I don't have the sidekicks, the Outback is stable enough generally, but in big gusts I have capsized, so everything you value should be restrained.

Righting an Outback in sailing rig is far more difficult than righting my old kayak (an Adventure Kayaks Venus), for any new sailors out there I would practice righting a few times, as it would assist when you have to do it in choppy conditions.

The sail restricts my fishing, so I generally stow it rolled on the side, when fishing. I have improved the catch for the paddle retaining bungie cord so the sail stays put. I leave the main sheet rigged through the stern of the kayak, so you can resume sailing without having to run the main sheet through the stern block again.

A sock like condom would be handy, something to slip over the rolled sail to stop it getting blown or swamped in the surf.

Also could someone who has made a sail furler post a diagram of the plastic bits, I understand its 1,1/4 inch pipe but I'm not sure of the top & bottom fittings.

cheers

Mal de mer

[johnH]

Hi Mal,

I just got a short length of 40mm polly pipe and two flat end caps. You can get these from Bunnings.

End caps

40mm pipe on sail mast with end caps

I was planning on doing up a post with heap more photos for the DIY Comp thread, but the weather is shocking and I need the yak outside for some good photos. I've also made the routing of lines a little more tidy and more user friendly.

[Ranger]

Brilliant!!! I'm off to Bunnings!

[mal.com]

Hi thanks John that looks great, I'll keep an eye out for the DIY entry.

I'm using a small SS block at the stern to run the main sheet through, and I'm planning to install another on the side to prevent the line getting stuck between my thigh & the kayak. So I can let the sail go quicker in gusts, without it sticking.

cheers

Mal de mer

[Ranger]

I'm using a small SS block at the stern to run the main sheet through, and I'm planning to install another on the side to prevent the line getting stuck between my thigh & the kayak. So I can let the sail go quicker in gusts, without it sticking.

I didn't know what they're called, but on recommendation from my local Hobie dealer, I also stuck a couple of these on for the line to run through. Works well.

[FISHPEDDLER]

Thanks for the posts guys. Cheers Paul

[Ranger]

I spent about 15 minutes today making one of these up. Dead easy, and if a dill like me can do it..............anyone can!

[PeterJ]

i actually thought of making a hobie type sail out of tarp with this type of furling method but wasn't to sure about the rear line holding the sail taught, great setup. How do you find the rear line, does it get in the way at all?

[Ranger]

i actually thought of making a hobie type sail out of tarp with this type of furling method but wasn't to sure about the rear line holding the sail taught, great setup. How do you find the rear line, does it get in the way at all?

The only real problem with the sail, the mast and the line is of course how it interferes with the fishing and the fishing rods. Anything poking up in front or running overhead is boubd to get in the way.

When need be though, we can work around this.

[paulsod]

Hi
I know I am late to this topic.
First, that is a brillant idea for furling/unfurling the sail.
I am also not a experience sailor but have been out with and without sidekicks.
If you plan on just easy sailing you won't need them. But, if you like to push it, then get them.
You will be amaze how much you can push the kayak with them on. Of course Hobie recommends light winds.

This is the way I get my rope to go around the storage space at the back to keep it clear of the gear.

There is another eyelet just in front of the rear rod holder. I have some nylon bits underneath them for strength. The rope, I tie the end to the grab handle and loop it under and hold it that way.
I use a clip for the sail and just unclip it when I catch a fish, that's where that furling device will come in handy as the sail flaps around quite a bit when released.
I also have to find a better clip, as the one I have unclips itself in strong winds.

Paul

[mal.com]

Hi all, I made up one of the You Tube type furlers for my Outback. Maiden voyage with a spinning sail to day, short report bloody brilliant.

Slightly longer report follows, I bought the plumbing bits at Bunnings and the rope, block & jamming cleat at the boat shop. Took about five minutes to complete after half an hour finding the tools, liberally strewn about the place. I used a 22 mm spade bit to drill the end caps which I glued on with PVC pipe glue.

On the water bloody brilliant, conditions were a little calm for a full evaluation of its worth. an unintended bonus is that the furler allows you to stop the sail flapping when fishing, with a twist of the wrist the sail can be put away tight. The lead block and jamming cleat make managing the furling line a cinch, and keep it out of the way.

It was a bit windier on the way out, hardly reefing weather though.

cheers Mal de mer

[liam8227]

I knocked up one of these this afternoon. Does anyone have a decent way of keeping the line for the sail from smacking you in the head? Im 1.8m tall and find that my head is in the strike zone...