AboutKeith Patton Expertise I can answer questions regarding fresh and salt water Catamarran Sailing, techniques and equipment. I can also answer questions regarding the repair of decks and the updating and installation of running and standing rigging on mono-hulls
Experience I have sailed catammarans in fresh and salt water for over 16 years.
I currently own and sail a 30 ft monohull out of Kemah on Galveston Bay, on which I carried out a complete refit.
Expert: Keith Patton Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: hobie cat
Question I just purchased a 14' hobie with a new sail for $200. Very cool but I have to replace all the standing and running rigging. The headstay is in good condition but I question it's length. What amount of rake should the mast have?
Answer Alex:
It depends on the conditions in which you sail. If you sail off the beach and in near shore areas where the water can be rough with a lot of rolling waves, you want a fair amount of rake. That will keep your bows high and let you ride over the wave without digging in. If you sail on a lake or in pretty flat conditions, you can keep the rake to a minimum. Too much rake robs you of thrust and hence speed, but it is a trade off for better sail handling. I have seen some beach hobies with some pretty severe rake and some lake hobies with none at all. My Prindle did not have any since I mixed it up and did a lot of bay sailing and only occasionally sailed off the beach.
