Message #1058 by: Justine
Posted on: Saturday 18th of September 2004 at 12:17 pm
Subject: Hobie 16 - Foot Loops - Class Legal?

We're currently re-carpetting the side of our Hobie 16 and I wondered about fitting a foot loop on either side so that I (the crew) can keep my footing when we get side swiped by waves from motor boats. I think the cruisers and dhows do it deliberately when we're both out on the wire.

My reflexes are getting better so we've only had a few pitch pole incidents! However, now is the time to think about it as we're doing a spot of maintenance. What do you think? Class legal or not?

 

Message #1059 by: Jon
Posted on: Saturday 18th of September 2004 at 6:00 pm
Subject: loops

Yes they are Ok.
Although I've only ever known them to be used to allow the helm to place his/her foot on the arft decks just under the rudder arm. Obviously only to be used in a blow.

 

Message #1063 by: Dave
Posted on: Monday 20th of September 2004 at 9:10 am
Subject: Loops

I don't think I'd want to have my feet stuck to the boat during a capsize/ pitchpole though. Nice to be free from the boat as it goes over.

 

Message #1064 by: loopy
Posted on: Monday 20th of September 2004 at 2:47 pm
Subject: loops

any loops that could possibly be used by a front foot are
bad news. If it is meant for the crew's back foot, then the
helm may inadvertently use it with his front foot.
In a pitchpole, the front foot will twist rapidly and is
easily broken.
A rear foot, ideally looped over the toes, and not hard in
will allow the foot to slide out and release as necessary
to prevent you hanging upside down by your ankle.
A rear strap for helm is a great idea, and popluar on
many boats, including '16, but you rarely see a forward
loop anymore.
i know two people who have had footloop mishaps
resulting in plaster - both were forward foot incidents.

Loopy

 

Message #1065 by: Dave
Posted on: Monday 20th of September 2004 at 4:06 pm
Subject: loops

By the way does anyone know of way of making sure the helm stays with the boat after a capsize? And is there a 'proper' way for the crew to stop himself swinging forward into the mast during a 'half' pitchpole (ie a rapid stop but no capsize). We've done a few of these this summer, the crew's got a bit bruised.

 

Message #1066 by: pitchpole pete
Posted on: Monday 20th of September 2004 at 4:55 pm
Subject: avoiding mast

Whenever you capsize or pitchpole, it is usually
apparent halfway through the 'incident' that you will not
make it, and you are going to get wet!
At this point, pick your spot, and jump!
this way you do not wait until the only option is to hit the
mast, bend the boom or go through the mainsail.
Although not hugely stylish, you should be able to avoid
most of the sharp and pointy bits and the hard
unfirgiving bits.

As for staying with the boat, hopefully you will still be on
the wire, even if it has gone slack. First priority is
obviously to unhook asap, but hang on to the handle
when you do so. Use this to get back to boat. If you have
a righting line permanently fixed under the tramp, then
this is a useful rope to hold onto before you can get
anything else.

hope this helps

 

Message #1078 by: justine
Posted on: Sunday 10th of October 2004 at 11:01 am
Subject: Hmm - reassessing the loops!

Thanks for all the feed back. I'm re-thinking the footloops in the light of possible broken bones / dislocations and may just go for thick rope on the carpet to act as a stopper.

 

Message #1082 by: Ben
Posted on: Tuesday 12th of October 2004 at 9:23 am
Subject: Loops

If the crew holds the traveller and jib sheet tight they will be braced from flying either forward or back. Usually while wiring (upwind) the jib should be bar tight anyway. Also if you fly the hull and trapeeze flat from the side beam you'll avoid the majority of the waves.

If you want to race the boat at a high level foot loops on the deck/gunwhale are a no as they drag in water when on the leward side.

Do you mean pieces of rope to put your feet under!?
You could try grabbing the shroud on pitch pole..