Toys for Us Boys (and Girls)
Just back in the house from a Sat. am spin on the two-wheeled time/space compression device, and as I defrost (39 deg. this am when I rolled, even in FL) was wondering what kind of toys our brethern and sistern on the forum enjoy spending all that upfront/retention money on. Might be fun to learn if our tastes in toys are in line with the preconceived notions we may all have of each other, based on our forum personae. Me, it’s the bikes…BMW R1100S, Kawi ZZR1200, Suzi SV650 naked with imposter Ducati stripes and sport fairing. Let it fly…
Wristwatches and Guns.
Calibers and models, Hank? The people demand details!!! .177 Sheridan pump pellet or .454 Casull, we've got to know what Hank's packin'!Wristwatches and Guns.
Black '66 Honda Dream 305, black/red/orange '86 Nighthawk S (working on getting that one show-ready) and a 2006 blue/silver Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser…that’s the one I put the most miles on. I’ve got a lifetime handgun permit in the works…if you gun enthusiasts don’t mind sharing a good gun choice for a newbie (only used rifles/shotguns to this point), I’d appreciate it. All I know at this point is that I want one with a clip that’s easy to load/unload…
[quote=Indyone]Black '66 Honda Dream 305, black/red/orange '86 Nighthawk S (working on getting that one show-ready) and a 2006 blue/silver Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser…that’s the one I put the most miles on. I’ve got a lifetime handgun permit in the works…if you gun enthusiasts don’t mind sharing a good gun choice for a newbie (only used rifles/shotguns to this point), I’d appreciate it. All I know at this point is that I want one with a clip that’s easy to load/unload…[/quote]
If you want a good carry gun, take a look at the Glock 30. It’s a medium sized .45 caliber. Comes with 2 mags - a 9 round and a 10 round. Mine has never jammed or failed to fire. The .45 hollow points will knock them down, as well as dig out a huge cave in the bad guy’s body cavity. It’s my primary carry weapon and I trust my life with it.
No upfront money involved, but, bad-ass offshore fishing boat, associated tackle, hardware, fuel, etc.
Nice wheels, Indy. My first street bike was a '73 Honda CB350, the son/grandson of your 305. Great bikes, all. On the weaponry, like Hank, I'd suggest at least a .40 - .45 of some sort. If you read any police blotter after action reports involving 9mm righteous shoots, the receivers of those 147 grains of jacketed love often absorb an unbelievable amount of rounds, and the last line of the report reads something like, "The suspect is in Mercy Hospital in good condition, considering filing a civil rights violation suit and filling out disability paperwork." If it's a .40 or .45, the obit tells the story. Hank likes the Glock, a great weapon, simple to operate, striker-fired so no external hammer to mess with or to be caught in clothing if it's a carry gun, which you state yours will be. S&W and Ruger are also making very solid striker fired, DA only weapons, usually for a little less dough. Go to the local gun store and handle them all. Grip size will vary greatly, and I think that's the biggest thing to get comfortable with. I've owned them all and tend to favor the single action Colt 1911 variants. Currently making noise with a Springfield Armory .45, custom grips, slicked up trigger and slide. You really might consider a Ruger GP100 series .357 magnum, also. I know you said you wanted a magazine fed weapon, but it's hard to beat a good .357 as a starting point. You can shoot the .38 or .357 out of the same unit, so versatile and inexpensive. A 4" barrelled stainless GP100 rides with me more often than anything else I've got. This is cool! Keep it up!Black '66 Honda Dream 305, black/red/orange '86 Nighthawk S (working on getting that one show-ready) and a 2006 blue/silver Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser…that’s the one I put the most miles on. I’ve got a lifetime handgun permit in the works…if you gun enthusiasts don’t mind sharing a good gun choice for a newbie (only used rifles/shotguns to this point), I’d appreciate it. All I know at this point is that I want one with a clip that’s easy to load/unload…
Springfield Armory .45
That is a beautiful weapon! To me, though, it just reaffirms John Browning’s genius over 100 years ago. The Colt 1911 (that you so aptly credited) was/is a weapon WAY ahead of its time.
By the way, you’re right, this is a cool thread. Keep it up!
No upfront money involved… just a little hardwork to keep the wheels on the wagon.
For me, I’ve got a sailing fetish.
I own three sailboats, and race competitively. We own a Beneteau First 36.7 for client entertainment, cruising with friends, and entertaining clients. A Melges 24 for high speed one-design racing fun, and a Laser for single-person fun and enjoyment. I get to sail 5 to 6 times per week in the summer, and also compete in a number of regattas around the great lakes region. Best race is the Chicago to Mackinac race on the big boat… lots of fun.
I’m a sailing speed junkie, and am still sailing in the northern climes of Lake Michigan.
This was the video that I took last weekend as we were out sailing the Melges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fz8x3z2h2w
Good times.
C
[quote=Captain] No upfront money involved… just a little hardwork to keep the wheels on the wagon.
For me, I’ve got a sailing fetish.
I own three sailboats, and race competitively. We own a Beneteau First 36.7 for client entertainment, cruising with friends, and entertaining clients. A Melges 24 for high speed one-design racing fun, and a Laser for single-person fun and enjoyment. I get to sail 5 to 6 times per week in the summer, and also compete in a number of regattas around the great lakes region. Best race is the Chicago to Mackinac race on the big boat… lots of fun.
I’m a sailing speed junkie, and am still sailing in the northern climes of Lake Michigan.
This was the video that I took last weekend as we were out sailing the Melges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fz8x3z2h2w
Good times.
C[/quote] Dude, we need to hook you up with some TOW missiles and set you free off the Horn of Africa. Somali Pirates, meet Captain and a big snootful of silent, whispering Death.
Hahahahaha.
Good times.
C
How 'bout you car guys? Before the bikes with me, it was cars. '67 Charger, blood red with black vinyl top, 383, 4bbl, auto; '66 Mustang Fastback, black, K code 289, 4spd., Pony interior with Ralleye Pak gauges; '72 Cougar XR7 convert.,gold w/white top, 351C, 4bbl., auto; '70 Boss 302, Grabber Orange, 4 spd., (I still weep when I remember selling that car. What an idiot); '85 and '88 Mustang GT; '90 Mustang LX 5.0. And absolutely nothing fun since those. The local Ford dealer has an '08 Bullitt on the lot that I’ve smudged a time or 12. Maybe when all this F stock I’ve been buying at 1.80 runs back to 20, I’ll make my move.
Sorry, no gear-head details to share. My passion is to endeavor to catch large, pelagic creatures. A necessary evil to that end is my 30’ Century center console with twin 205hp. Yamaha outboards. I’ve fished it in the out-islands of the Bahamas, the Florida Keys (often) and, of course, way, way off my home coast of SW Florida.
250 hp’s, sorry. (205’s wouldn’t cut the mustard)
Total gear head here.
2002 wrx with some stuff (when they first came out in the US)… I got a ride in the grandson of one of the 20odd richest men in the world’s wrx while abroad.
1993 5.0 stang
’68 camaro
2003 350z
datsun 510
a turboed lexus sc that never was.
I’m a rookie, but I plan on getting some other stuff when I feel I’ve made it.
72 stingray, bblk, 4 spd, matching numbers, restoration that took me 5 years to complete. Runs like a dream and turns heads.
Fender American Strat through an ibanez tube screamer through a HotRod Deville 2x12… and of course my Breedlove Acoustic.
Best. Stress reliever. Ever.
[quote=guitar1696]Fender American Strat through an ibanez tube screamer through a HotRod Deville 2x12… and of course my Breedlove Acoustic.
Best. Stress reliever. Ever.
[/quote]
I forgot about the guitars. 1952 Telecaster Reissue made in 1981 and a Martin HD-28 that I bought new in 1995, plus various others.
Porsche 356SC Cabriolet, black/tan like my brew.
I may buy a better practice amp for my Black Studio Gibson Les Paul. I’m thinking either Mesa Boogie or Line 6.
Just sold my Deville 2X12,
Epi Firebird Custom Yamaha Fullcustum Bass Ampeg SVT Classic Peavy 2X15 cab AND a Smith and Wesson 9mm, about to upgrade to the Springfield XD TacticalJust sold it!!! How come?.. I love my deville. My new weekend project is building a pedalboard for my effects.
Man C, you’re flying in that video! How fast are you going?
I've always wanted to get into sailing. What's a good starter boat?
I want one of these for Christmas, OR, The Markets during the last 2 trading sessions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-jAImScms
*The guy on the segway is supposed to represent investors that don’t get scared out of the markets
Sold the deville cuz I needed money to “start my career” last year. I totally regret it, best amp I’ve ever had, I’d like to get my hands on a 5150, It’s been my dream head for years
Not a muscle car I know, but still loving my 2008 Mercedes Benz E350 Sport.
We are going 19 knots = 21.9 mph - very fast for a sailboat.
Most $hitboxes don't go faster than 7 or 8 on a good day. But, this boat is designed to be a 'planing' hull shape... it's a lot like a skipping stone... staying on top of the water, rather than 'pushing' water out of the way like most sailboats. As for a great starter boat... I've also got a Laser... It's a single person sailboat that is easy to use, fun to sail, and it's inexpensive. First things first, though... go get some lessons. Take your family to Florida for a week... take a 4-day learn to sail class, and do it the right way. It's a good time, truly. C[quote=UNDERMINDED]
......about to upgrade to the Springfield XD Tactical[/quote] Wonderful weapon. You'll love it.C, I’m actually planning on doing just that. Next summer I’m going to take the basic level sailing courses and then go to FL for a week to take a bareboat sailing course. Then the following year I’m planning on bareboating with some friends in the BVI for 2 weeks (assuming I still have a job).
[quote=Captain] First things first, though… go get some lessons. Take your family to Florida for a week… take a 4-day learn to sail class, and do it the right way.
It's a good time, truly. C[/quote] I've watched the John Candy movie Summer Rental numerous times, so I think I'm covered as far as the lessons go. I mean, to go faster, just start throwing tater tots and whatever else you have off the boat.Toyz?
We got some: Country Coach Allure 40 - we're not campers. We use Homer to further other pursuits. Boston Whaler Dauntless 18 "Pole Dancer"- Sold, sale closes next week. Fun but we're done. Hobie 16 - Bought new in 1986 and raced extensively. The last of the sail boat fleet. Honda Reflex Scooter- a fun daily commuter bike. R56 Mini Cooper S - Also on the block to sell. Hey, those front tires were fine when I bought it! A fun year, i'm bored, time to move on. Current Designs Solstice GT HV kevlar sea kayak - OK, the the kayak rides on top of the Grand Cherokee which is flat towed behind Homer. Nova Scotia to Key West, we've covered a lot of ground and a lot of water once we got there. Current Designs Scirocco poly sea kayak - see above Dagger Baja sea kayak - same Bell Merlin 2 Carb/kev canoe- it's 15 ft long and weighs 30lbs. easy to lift. Dagger Reflection 15 Royalex - It's 15 ft long and weighs 50lbs. Not so easy to lift. Mad River Explorer royalex- 16 ft, 70 lbs, of rock bashing long haul trucker canoe. Lemond Zurich road bike - Spine design CF/steel, easy riding century machine. Trek 520 touring bike - The Chevy Suburban of touring bikes. I use mine for LD riding and fitness. Trek 950 hardtail mountain bike - It's 20 years old and starting to show some wear. Still I' ve put about 100 hours on this bike ytd. (I measure off road use by time) it's my rain/snow bike as well. Martin Accoustic Guitar - it's a lefty D15, and it's for sale. DLG RC Gliders - fun but what a learning curve. I'm getting into surf fishing so I'm gearing up for that. And another pursuit in which Homer increases the possibilities with treking between Hatteras and Montauk. Pull into Camp Hatteras, Fish, bike, kite, kayak, and do some RC ridge riding on the dunes. Or, sit and relax on the beach. Nah, sitin is time wastin.I've got some seat time in sailboats as well. I would recco that you learn on a small boat. The lazer is an excellent platform but very physical, similar to a Hobie in that way. I learned on a Flying Scott. An old design 20 foot planing hull. Fast and comfortable. There are many boats in this catagory. And nothing against the Lazer, it's fast fun. Just that in any wind you're going to get a work out and maybe more than a little wet. My cup of tea, but not for everyone. Of course for my money nothing beats the venerable Hobie 16. 25mph hanging on a trapese flying off swells. And it's practically unbreakable. From there move up to the high tech leading edge F18s from Nacra or Hobie. These boats are capable of 30mph+. That's screamin for a blow boat! Why learn on a small boat? Because it is the best platform for learning how to sail. Small boats are very responsive and will give you instant feedback to control input. You will learn more and learn it more quickly. If you can sail a small boat you can sail any boat. And sail it well. I learned more about sailing by racing Hobies than I did sailing my Bene First 35 around the Chesapeake and then offshore to Bermuda. The Beneteau is now long gone, but i still own that Hobie. And even with it's limitations I'll sail circles around mono hull pilots who have never sailed anything under 30 feet. Moving on to bigger boats is just about learning about winches and aux engines. The sailing the boat part is the same, less exciting, but the same.C, I’m actually planning on doing just that. Next summer I’m going to take the basic level sailing courses and then go to FL for a week to take a bareboat sailing course. Then the following year I’m planning on bareboating with some friends in the BVI for 2 weeks (assuming I still have a job).
Good stuff BG, thanks!
OS -
If you are contemplating sailing schools, you would be very well served using Offshore Sailing School. Lots of great locations, and excellent programs. It’s run by Steve and Doris Colgate… they train you in a 26 foot trainer (Colgate 26), and it’s a solid boat to sail and learn. You will NOT regret taking instruction from them!
I agree on the Laser… it is a physical boat, but a great boat. No need to get the ‘pro’ version… Flying Scots are great too, and yes… learning on a small boat is the best way to start.
Good times, buddy.
C
So captain, I’m dying to know … at the end of the youtube video did you capsize or were you guys able to spill the wind in time? Looked like it was going over!
Reminded of my X and E scow racing days on inland lakes, but without the frigid temps and open water! Lots of fun.
Here’s oen in a different direction. Let me have it, I can take it. Some of my best “toys” (non-fishing related) are my knives, cookware, gadgets, grill, BBQ Pit and kitchen. I won’t bore you with specs, but there you have it. LOVE to cook.
YHWY, have you ever done the cooking school events that I'm always hearing wholesalers talk about as good ideas for client events? Any insight, from the epicure's perspective?Here’s oen in a different direction. Let me have it, I can take it. Some of my best “toys” (non-fishing related) are my knives, cookware, gadgets, grill, BBQ Pit and kitchen. I won’t bore you with specs, but there you have it. LOVE to cook.
Nope, never have, but it’s a brilliant idea, thanks!
YHWY, have you ever done the cooking school events that I'm always hearing wholesalers talk about as good ideas for client events? Any insight, from the epicure's perspective?[/quote] I've done the cooking class thing, but it might be different than what you think. There is a great local restaurant with an awesome chef that's in his early 30's here. The guy is one of those people that others are drawn to. Anyways, he does his own cooking classes, but we've had our own events, and I'll say it's been awhile. We've agreed to pay $40/head which includes the class, food, and wine pairing. There are 3 courses each paired with a different wine. I'm telling you, $40/head is cheap. But I've gotten to know the guy and this is his passion. Oddly enough, I won't be able to do them for awhile because he is getting some TV show on the Food Channel apparently, but as soon as it's done filming, I'd like to do more of them. The way I like to do it is to invite clients and have them bring friends as opposed to having everyone cold. That way it also takes care of some client appreciation.[quote=YHWY]Here’s oen in a different direction. Let me have it, I can take it. Some of my best “toys” (non-fishing related) are my knives, cookware, gadgets, grill, BBQ Pit and kitchen. I won’t bore you with specs, but there you have it. LOVE to cook.
Snags, that's what I'm talking about! How many people have you found to be the magic number for that? Are you in a major metro area, as I am most definitely not, so finding the hotshot chef could be a challenge.
The boat has a 600lb lead bulb keel… so, we aren’t going over… ever. We’ll see the spreaders touch the water in extreme cases, but we aren’t going capsize. It feels like you are going over, but you really don’t - it’s a sudden stop, though, and if you aren’t prepared for it, you’ll be potentially swimming.
So… we popped the boom vang off (released pressure from the main), dropped the spinnaker halyard, gathered the spinnaker on the leeward side, unfurled the jib, sheet on the main, and went back upwind to do it all over again.
We wiped out 4 times during the day… yeah, it was very cold water, and we did NOT want to go swimming.
Nothing better… it’s loads of fun pushing things to their limits every so often. It’s proven to be a serious addiction.
Gooooood times.
C
[quote=2wheeledbeemer]
Snags, that's what I'm talking about! How many people have you found to be the magic number for that? Are you in a major metro area, as I am most definitely not, so finding the hotshot chef could be a challenge.
[/quote] I don't think I've found the magic number for ANYTHING. In this situation, about 4-5 couples at a time is what I feel to be ideal. There's two of us, and if you have a wholesaler, that would be a third, so you'd be at 11-13 total. When the wine starts flowing, everyone gets to know each other very well. So it comes out to around $600-$700. I'm telling you though, I got a great deal. I think the key thing is that women love this type of thing. And some of the time (so I hear), the women control the men. So it's a great way to get in good with them. Oh yeah, the time and day has to work out for the restaurant/chef. So that means in their downtime. For us, that means on a Saturday from 2-4. But everyone has so much fun, no one thinks twice about the time. Yes I am in a major metro area. Something I've heard about in case you're not in a major metro area: If you know of someone, client/friend/whatever, that has put a lot of money into a nice kitchen, you can hire a chef to cook at the house.+1 on Offshore and the Colgate 26. JWorld is another top school, even though racing oriented, they offer cruising courses as well. I’ve taken courses from them and they are top notch. Their go to platform is the J80, a 26 foot open boat similar to the Colgate 26. Not as fast as C’s Melges but a lot easier to sail. Still, if you can find a school that uses even smaller boats, all the better. Try sailing clubs in your area. One of the local clubs here offers beginner courses for $250 and uses a Blue Jay. That boat, I think, is 12 feet long. It’s an orphan class, no longer produced, but is a great boat to learn the ropes, ah I mean lines. There hundreds of these clubs across the country and all offer lessons as a way of increasing membership. Usually lessons come with no strings attached, but getting in at the local yacht club isn’t the worst thing you could do to your career.
[quote=snaggletooth][quote=2wheeledbeemer]
Snags, that's what I'm talking about! How many people have you found to be the magic number for that? Are you in a major metro area, as I am most definitely not, so finding the hotshot chef could be a challenge.
[/quote] I don't think I've found the magic number for ANYTHING. In this situation, about 4-5 couples at a time is what I feel to be ideal. There's two of us, and if you have a wholesaler, that would be a third, so you'd be at 11-13 total. When the wine starts flowing, everyone gets to know each other very well. So it comes out to around $600-$700. I'm telling you though, I got a great deal. I think the key thing is that women love this type of thing. And some of the time (so I hear), the women control the men. So it's a great way to get in good with them. Oh yeah, the time and day has to work out for the restaurant/chef. So that means in their downtime. For us, that means on a Saturday from 2-4. But everyone has so much fun, no one thinks twice about the time. Yes I am in a major metro area. Something I've heard about in case you're not in a major metro area: If you know of someone, client/friend/whatever, that has put a lot of money into a nice kitchen, you can hire a chef to cook at the house. [/quote] Good info. Thanks for the insight. This is something I've wanted to try in the coming year.Now lets see, I have an 07 GSXR 600, 04 YFZ450 set up for the sand dunes, SemiAuto paitball gun for when Im really needing to relieve stress. And now looking to buy an old VW Bug to convert to a Baja monster. I do like to go fast
[quote=Captain]
So… we popped the boom vang off (released pressure from the main), dropped the spinnaker halyard, gathered the spinnaker on the leeward side, unfurled the jib, sheet on the main, and went back upwind to do it all over again.
[/quote]
Isn’t that illegal in Georgia.
Not once you get past your sister/mom’s second cousin twice removed.
Itat, do you do any track days on the Gixxer?Now lets see, I have an 07 GSXR 600, 04 YFZ450 set up for the sand dunes, SemiAuto paitball gun for when Im really needing to relieve stress. And now looking to buy an old VW Bug to convert to a Baja monster. I do like to go fast
Itat, do you do any track days on the Gixxer?[/quote]Not yet, but I really want to start, the only problem is that the closest track to me is almost three hours away. I have Thunder Hill 3 hours, Laguna Seca 4.5 hours and Infenion 4 hours. Hopefully next season I will be able to have time/money to start going (New FA here, lol)[quote=Eyetattoo]Now lets see, I have an 07 GSXR 600, 04 YFZ450 set up for the sand dunes, SemiAuto paitball gun for when Im really needing to relieve stress. And now looking to buy an old VW Bug to convert to a Baja monster. I do like to go fast
You ride?
Yep, see my previous post at the beginning of the thread. Interested to know some feedback from anybody that’s done one of the track schools at the various places across our fine land. I’m scheduled to do the Jamie James Yamaha school at Barber this spring, and just curious to know the set up from any previous participants.
Check out sportbikes.net if you haven’t already. Great wealth of track knowledge there. Anything your want to learn about your bike is on that site and in it’s forums
[quote=HymanRoth]
[quote=Captain]So… we popped the boom vang off (released pressure from the main), dropped the spinnaker halyard, gathered the spinnaker on the leeward side, unfurled the jib, sheet on the main, and went back upwind to do it all over again.
[/quote]Isn’t that illegal in Georgia.[/quote]
Nah… Not really.
It’s when you throw the backstay, smoke the fraculator and release the pressure on sheet before you blow the guy… that’s when you have a problem.
Believe it or not… that’s all proper sailing lingo around the course.
Hee haw.
C
Not to mention, doing a broad reach while passing a topless beach! Who says sailings not fun! Oh yeah, the guy who invented the name for the boom. He named it after the sound it made when it hit him in the head during an accidental jibe.
Fractulators? Ouch! Nothing like using wind surfing physics to make a sailboat go faster. Cool stuff, as all high tech boats are, but it makes my head hurt. I'm sticking with beach cats. Only two lines to play with once out on the water and one speed, supersonic! My Hobie 16 will run down just about everything out there worth running down. And the Hobie Tiger, well it will smoke them. Phast Phun!!
2003 Kawasaki ZX-12R, 2006 Kawasaki ZX-14
Very nice, especially for running down to the corner pub there on the Isle of Man. Bet that Muzzy pipe sounds sweet at about 10k. Did you do your own paint on the 12?
joined today to ask a question in “whats up at firms” section. im an
avid motorcyclist, its good to see others here share the same hobby.
ha, i have yet to attend the isle of man races. ive stripped the 12r down to the frame and had her painted while the wheels and case covers were being chromed. she used to be a 1375CC stroker, now a 1270. motor done by orient express. i could post an extensive list of mods - basically everything is aftermarket or custom but the frame.
dyno chart @ break-in
4th, 5th and 6th gears optional with numbers like those. New back tire every 2000 miles; front tire seldom used.
Ok, some I’m definitely small fry compared to y’all big boys on here, but I felt like I had to represent the Girls.
Waverunners and Hobie Cats - Toys for the Average Jane
We raced Hobies for years. Campaigned a Hobie 16. I still have the boat but we no longer race. Taught the kids to sail and learned to sail rings around most sailors.
Interesting thing about Hobie sailors is that they tend not to get a lot respect down at the yatch club. "Oh one of those" is a typical reaction when asked what type of boat do you sail. Typical snob/ testosterone BS. So one day I was snooping around a yacht club I've stumbled upon as they are getting ready for their Thursday nite races. They are racing J27s. I strike up a conversation with one of the skippers and he invites me on board to fill in for a no show. He diligently questions me about my sailing resume. I fess up "I'm a Hobie sailor" His response was, if nothing else I'd do as rail meat. So off we go. He then puts me in charge of the winch for the Jib when another person on the boat has trouble with the winch. A fairly important job. He gives me the settings he wants and shows me how to work the winch. There are nine boats in the race. I'm use to starting on lines with as many as fifty boats. And relative to Hobie speed we are moving in slow motion. We get the one minute to go signal but are headed downwind away from the line and will need to gybe (turn stern through the eye of the wind) to get back to the line. The skipper gives the command and around we go. I get the jib set on the new heading and we hit the line a full 15 seconds after the gun. Not surprisingly we are dead last. But there is good wind and the first leg is up wind. I note that only one of the boats in front of us is reacting to the wind shifts and is heading closer to mark on what are call lifters( a wind shift that allows you to sail a more direct course to your mark. Boats can't sail directly into the wind. Sail boats when sailing into the wind have to sail at 30 to 45% angle to the wind. ). My skipper is holding a straight course. Ah, this is sailing 101 stuff so i speak up. I tell him that i'll call the lifter or header and that he should change course accordingly when i start to winch in or out on the sail. He agrees and we start to move up in the fleet. Still most are still in front of us with the one guy who really knows what's he's doing tacking to the inbound leg to go to the mark. Other boats also soon tack. My guy gives the ready about command as he is preparing to tack. I yell out "not yet" they're all going to miss the mark (wind will push them below the mark forcing another tack) My guy holds off for few seconds and sure enough racer boy in boat one sails below the mark and tacks a second time. We are getting more lifters than headers and lifter on the outbound tack( our direction) is a header for the inbound tack. DAH! I"m still calling out lifter/header and we sail through the course of boats that are now below us on the course and will be forced to a second tack to make the mark. I tell the skipper to tack when ever he's ready and he gives the command. We are second to the first mark and are the only boat to make it in one tack. But from here it's a beam reach and then downwind. The last leg is a short one mile one tack leg to start/finish line and barring a mistake by boat one it's going to be follow the leader. Downwind our spin guy knows what he's doing but we gain no ground. We round the downwind mark and begin our outbound upwind tack. On this tack well behind boat one I note that boat one has sailed beyond his tacking point (overstood the mark-sailed too far) probably a reaction to missing the mark one first leg. I point this out to my skipper telling him if he tacks early he might have a shot at him. The problem with this is two fold- we could get pushed below the mark forcing a second tack and losing a sure second place finish and boat one will be sailing the final tack on a lower angle to the wind giving them a lot more boat speed. Our only advantage is the shorter distance to the line by not sailing any more distance on the out bound tack. The skip goes for it and orders the course change. We tighen up the sails and for a minute or two the wind cooperates by shifting to a lifter. But we are pinched and our boat speed slows. Still heeled over and moving but. Boat one is at this point boat two on the course. We are in the lead with the finish line in sight. I can only imagine the what the eff reaction on boat one when they saw us tack early. Sorry fellas, no follow the leader tonite. He tacks immediatly and is coming hard. It was a drag race back to the line and he got us by half a boat length at the line. He's a good skipper and my guy was elated. Back in the club house it was boisterous. Apparently everyone is use to losing to the guy who won and because of his standing in the club they follow his lead. They asked me where i learned all this- sailing hobies with my kids was my reply. And it really is basic stuff. Still they suspected there was more to it. I got a invite on the winners boat for a regatta- I declined. And my skipper told me i was welcomed back anytime. I never went back. I liked the J27. Cool boat if a bit of dinosoar in racing circles these days. At least i didn't get wet, half the fun of Hobie racing. Rail meat my ass. OK, I'm home with a severe sinus infection. Thanks for listening.That was an awesome story and very fun to read ;). Thanks for sharing it with us!
Boy, I don’t understand a word you just said.
Sounds like a lot of fun though. I've sailed about 4 times and loved every second of it. Would love to get into it.Better get a Z-pack or some Amoxycillin for those sinuses, BG. I used to deal with those 2-3 times a year, but with a daily Claritin, I’ve only had to resort to antibiotics once in the past four years.
No charge for this visit...They’ve got me on a powerful drug but i’m showing signs of an allergic reaction so i may have to change scripts in a day or so. No fun, more off balance than usual.
Thanks for the consult indy. Stef, thanks i've got a ton of sailing stories. It's easy to tell stories about something you're passionate about. jkl- I tried to demystify some of the terminology but after i posted it I reread it and realized that it would still only be clear to a sailor/racer. Sorry about that. As for learning to sail- highly recommended! I enjoy small high performance boats, but there are no wrong answers when it comes to sailing. Most local clubs offer lessons and then there are schools that will really get you going. As for racing, it may be boring to watch, but it's not boring to do. Frustrating, but not boring. It's a chess match- you're always trying to figure out how to out smart the competition, or out sail them. Lots of tactical decisions that can give you an advantage over a more skilled skipper and crew. Usually, on a Hobie you are doing this at relatively high speeds, sometimes hanging from a trapese wire, and getting bashed by spray as the boat jumps off the top of swells. Now that is fun!! Then there's those no wind days when the secret weapon, read paddle, is your only friend and you're hoping all the greenheader flies gathered on the rear deck stay there rather than swarm. It's all part of the deal.BondGuy,
Any good beginner sailing books you'd recommend?BondGuy,
You've now peaked my interest into a Hobie Cat, I spent the weekend looking on-line. Although I would like the 16 or one of the others designed for speed I don't think I could get the wife to ok that. She did show some interest in the Getaway since it was more "family" oriented. Baby steps! LaterJK- a book to get would be The ASA’s “Sailing Fundamentals” I have an old version of the book, but new versions are available at B&N for about $20.
I'll come back later to talk HobiesHobies- The Getaway is fine boat. Be aware that there is a huge performance difference between a Getaway and a H-16. A mono hull driver going to a Getaway would probably be a very happy camper. An H-16 sailor going to the Getaway is more like “What the eff?”
That said, know that in the world of High performance Beach Cats the H-16 is on the lower end of the performance scale. The world is dominated by Mystere's, A Cat's and the fabulous F-18 class. Hobie make s an F-18 class boat, the Hobie Tiger. Nacra used to make the Inter 18, but now call it the Nacra F-18. Both boats are rockets relative to a H-16. And a Nacra 6.0 or Inter 20 will put most F-18 class boats in the wake. The F-18 and up boats are very physical boats to sail. Less suitable for recreation and more so for full on racing. So, speed is a relative thing. So what's the H-16 got going for it? First, even though it's a dinosaur in Beach Cat Technology, it's still very fast. It is faster than any monohull. The H-16 is the world's best selling one design sail boat with tens of thousands sailing. So, there are plenty around to buy if you don't want to buy a new one. The combination of lots of boats and fun recreatioanal sailing make them a great value. Go out and just blast around or go to regatta and race. They are simple. Raise the mast, put on the sails and go! 1/2 hour once you know how to do it. They are durable and stable. Again stability is up to how the skipper is sailing relative to conditions. You can sail on the edge or you can slow things down. Once fear of flipping goes away, you'll find yourself on the edge all the time. The H-16 has one flaw to spoil its mild manners. It has a tendancy to pitch pole if one is not careful in high winds. This is a minor concern. A pitch pole on an H-16 is nothing more than an endo flip. You tube will show this. Right the boat, climb back on and go. I've gone years between pitchpoles sailing the boat to max potential. Of course there was that day when i pitch poled it 5 times. The getaway is a fine boat. Rotmolded hulls make it indestructable. It is a fun mild sailor. A much calmer experience than the H16 or H-18. With the deck lip non existant on this boat the pitch pole rate is way down. Again, only a biggie to the inexperienced. Before you buy a boat you need a place to sail it. Where would that be? What boats are being sailed there? Hobies are extremely low maintenance and if you go tthe Hobie web site there is a link that will get you the local fleets. Find a local fleet, if there is one. Call the listed numbers and get yourself a ride on some boats. If you decide to buy, there a a ton of boats for sale. The H-16 has been around since the early 70s and the H-18 since about 1980. Have fun!!!!BondGuy
I like speed. I saw the H-16 as it was the first one to come up when I searched. If I really get into it and do some racing I'd look at going up the line a little. But with the idea being that I am looking at learning to sail, I think the getaway or the H-16 are more appropriate. My wife like the Getaway because it's marketed as a "social" boat that my whole crew can go on. Wife and two daughters. I'm just happy that the wife didn't flat out say it was a stupid idea. I think she likes the idea of being a hot chick sunbathing on the trampoline. Thanks for all of your advice. Gotta go look at some boats.
jkl1v1n6
Getting approval-good first step!
I bought the H-16 to race it. In fact my boat is what was known as a Nationals boat. Hobie would ship about 100 new boats to the site of the North American National Championships. Racers would race the boats for a week and then Hobie would sell the boats, fully race equipped, off the beach. The nationals, are invitation only, were/are held at a different venue every year. When they were held at Cape May NJ my dealer called me to offer me a boat. I didn't want a boat that had been raced for a week so at first I passed. Then the dealer called and told me they had an extra boat that wouldn't be raced. It was a done deal. Hobie no longer does this. The Nationals have become BYOB for the most part with local fleets supplying some of the boats. I tell you that for two reasons: First, even though I bought the boat to race it, it got equal use as a recreational sail boat. We spent a lot of time with five of us on the boat, mom, dad, and three kids. So the H-16 makes a fine recreational sailor. Second, there are thousands of H-16 around. It is still the largest one design fleet racing and is still being manufactured. The likely hood of finding a fleet to race with/against is much higher with a H-16 than with any other boat. Many racers start with the 16 and then move up. None of this is to say that the getaway isn't the perfect boat for you. It may be. Just go in open minded. Nothing wrong with hot chicks lounging on the trampoline! Lastly, for some great Cat pix go to: www.worrell1000.com The boats are Inter 20's. Check out the photo's on the Fl legs. Things got hairy. They don't run that race anymore, but it was fun while it lasted.[quote=YHWY]Springfield Armory .45
That is a beautiful weapon! To me, though, it just reaffirms John Browning’s genius over 100 years ago. The Colt 1911 (that you so aptly credited) was/is a weapon WAY ahead of its time.
By the way, you’re right, this is a cool thread. Keep it up!
[/quote]
I’ve had the bi-tone Springfield V10 for 10 years and never had any problems with it, my other “toy” is the RC51 crotch-rocket.
[quote=BondGuy]Getting approval-good first step!
I bought the H-16 to race it. In fact my boat is what was known as a Nationals boat. Hobie would ship about 100 new boats to the site of the North American National Championships. Racers would race the boats for a week and then Hobie would sell the boats, fully race equipped, off the beach. The nationals, are invitation only, were/are held at a different venue every year. When they were held at Cape May NJ my dealer called me to offer me a boat. I didn't want a boat that had been raced for a week so at first I passed. Then the dealer called and told me they had an extra boat that wouldn't be raced. It was a done deal. Hobie no longer does this. The Nationals have become BYOB for the most part with local fleets supplying some of the boats. I tell you that for two reasons: First, even though I bought the boat to race it, it got equal use as a recreational sail boat. We spent a lot of time with five of us on the boat, mom, dad, and three kids. So the H-16 makes a fine recreational sailor. Second, there are thousands of H-16 around. It is still the largest one design fleet racing and is still being manufactured. The likely hood of finding a fleet to race with/against is much higher with a H-16 than with any other boat. Many racers start with the 16 and then move up. None of this is to say that the getaway isn't the perfect boat for you. It may be. Just go in open minded. Nothing wrong with hot chicks lounging on the trampoline! Lastly, for some great Cat pix go to: www.worrell1000.com The boats are Inter 20's. Check out the photo's on the Fl legs. Things got hairy. They don't run that race anymore, but it was fun while it lasted.[/quote] That looked insane! Very cool! Too bad they aren't doing it anymore.Also checked out some you tube videos of pitch poles or pitch poling or whatever. I’m sure my wife will be happy with me the first time she’s with me when that happens!
Gotta love a large displacement vtwin with a set of 2 Bros. pipes. Nice ride. Served Nicky Hayden well while he had one.[quote=YHWY]Springfield Armory .45
That is a beautiful weapon! To me, though, it just reaffirms John Browning’s genius over 100 years ago. The Colt 1911 (that you so aptly credited) was/is a weapon WAY ahead of its time.
By the way, you’re right, this is a cool thread. Keep it up!
[/quote]
I’ve had the bi-tone Springfield V10 for 10 years and never had any problems with it, my other “toy” is the RC51 crotch-rocket.
If you don't flip the boat you aren't trying hard enough! Especially during the learning process. When i started letting my kids crew for me I took them out in the bay, one at a time, 100 feet off the beach and then flipped the boat. This was a static flip, as we weren't moving, I just pulled the boat over until it capsized. The task was to show my kids that there was nothing to fear and to teach them how to right the boat. Once we finished the non moving part of the program we moved up to flipping the boat at cruising speed and then top speed. The more we did it the more they liked it. On a normal flip the boat slows down naturally as the sail dumps air. No intentional pitch poles but plenty of righting practice. After doing this the kids would rather sail slow hanging from the traps while flying a hull as high as possible for as long as possible, rather than sailing the boat at its go fast attitude.Also checked out some you tube videos of pitch poles or pitch poling or whatever. I’m sure my wife will be happy with me the first time she’s with me when that happens!
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