About Sharkbait
[last updated 2006-01-21]
The boat I sail is Sharkbait, a Hobie 33 sailboat from 1984. So I guess the obvious question is – why a Hobie 33?
Benefits
I wanted a planing boat. Plain and simple. Given the money I felt I could spend on the boat as well as the minimum requirements and suitability for the Bermuda 1-2 race, this pretty much narrowed it down to either a Hobie 33 or an Olson 29 or 30. There were no Olsons 29s on the market (still have not seen any for sale on the East coast) so in reality the choice was between the Olson 30 and the Hobie 33.
Simplicity and Handling
A major deciding factor in choosing the Hobie over the Olson is that the Hobie is fractionally rigged, which I felt would be a benefit when sailing single-handed. Another advantage of the Hobie, is that it has an engine that pulls up into the cockpit (so I do not have to dangle over the transom).
Strengths
As can be seen from the Hobie 33 Brochure pictures and Line Drawings, the Hobie is a very narrow boat with a relatively short mast. This combination results in a very easily driven boat with relatively small sails which should be easier to sail alone. On the other hand, the narrow hull and low cabin house also means that there is very little useful room inside the Hobie (this however is equally true for the Olson). As a result I spend most of the time inside the boat crawling around on my knees. The keen observer will also notice that people really liked their rainbow colored boats and sails back then …
Weaknesses
The downside to the Hobie is its tenderness. There is not much stability in the hull shape and the mast - an oldish aluminum jobbie - is surprisingly heavy. Combine this with single-handed sailing (i.e. missing 7 bodies on the rail) and I am de-powering by the time it is blowing 10 kts and reefing shortly after. Sailing upwind in gusty wind and choppy seas can also be very frustrating. Without the ability to power up the boat (I am already reefed .. remember?) the boat never has a change to accelerate before it hits the next wave and stops with a ear-shattering crash.
Owners Association
The is an active owners association – or at least group of Hobie 33 owners – who are happy to discuss the boat and improvements. Needless to say this is a great asset, especially since most of the boat are about 20 years old. On the Hobie 33 Class Website there are specs, lots of pictures, and articles about anything Hobie 33. There is also an active Yahoo! Mailing List where owners post.
Hobie 33 Links
The North American Class Association: http://www.hobie33.com
Yahoo discussion board (and lots of pictures): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hobie33
Topaz - a Hobie 33 that has done the Bermuda1-2 twice: http://www.bulldogtrust.com
Por Favor - a Hobie 33 that has done the Bermuda1-2 twice: http://www.snowgum.com/porfavor
Flying Tiger Hobie 33: http://geocities.com/flyingtigerh33
Menace to Sobriety Hobie 33: http://www.menacetosobriety.net
Enzo - a turbo'ed Hobie 33: http://www.enzohobie.blogspot.com
