Ref : MP_WILDCAT_GB
Issued by : Alban ROSSOLLIN
Date : March 2010
Up-date : 0
Page 8/49
OWNER’S MANUAL : HOBIE WILD CAT
Copyright HCE 2010
Launching the boat
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.
How to use your Hobie
