3 newbie questions

These may be dumb questions, but they way I figure it, the dumbest question is the one you don't ask that you should've.  So here we go:

1. In my little hobie sport (owned for 11 months now) I've noticed lately about a half a cup of water inside the yak when I bring it in.  That did not seem to me to be an unusual amount to worry about.  I leave the hatches open and it always evaporates quickly here in SoCal.   Should I worry?

2. I normally rinse everything in freshwater with the hose when I get home.  I've not been rinsing the inside of the boat and from this little bit of salt water that gets inside then evaporates,  I noticed some salt build-up inside the hobie this evening.  Should I be rinsing out the inside of the yak to prevent the internal salt build-up?

3. I'm taking a kayak surf launch/landing safety "lesson" tomorrow morning on the outside at Cabrillo Beach.  Anything I should specifically ask him to cover?  Any advice for this relative newbie on surf launching/landing?     Did that count as four questions?.... no five??     

Dave 

My brother has a Hobie sport and he has also had water inside the hull when he gets back. It doesn't take on any in flat water, but when it gets choppy he takes on a fair amount. We discovered that when the water is choppy enough to get around the rudder control lines back by the rudder that the water comes in there. The hull of the kayak flexes and acts just like a suction pump as you paddle. We checked the kayak out very thoroughly and didn't find any cracks or leaks. We were told that some early models can develop cracks in the drive well area, so check that just in case. I wouldn't worry if it's a small amount of water unless you find a crack.

The salt inside the hull isn't a big deal, but I would still rinse it out from time to time so it doesn't build up.

Surf launching the sport is a little different than a paddle kayak, but only because it doesn't paddle as easily. I would pick my spots. Pick places that don't have much if any surf just to be on the safe side. At least until you're comfortable with what you can an can't do safely. It's all about technique and timing.

I hope this helps.

What Gabe said...also ask him to cover how to count the wave sets so you can time it for surf launch and re-entry.

Thanks Gabe and Sailfish.  Come to think of it, most of the water does seem to be there on windier and rougher days.  I've spent most of my time on the "inside" in LA harbor but even in there it's not flat, especially in the afternoon.  I'll be talking with "Greg" (sold me the boat, giving me the "lesson" today) about these things and more ... thanks for responding both!

dB 

These may be dumb questions, but they way I figure it, the dumbest question is the one you don't ask that you should've. 
Dave 

+1

Welcome a board matey...  

WTG on Taking the Class, Good to be smart out there! This is the start of a beautiful relationship my friend and Oh yeah WELCOME TO THE  MADNESS!!!

The lesson was great.  I learned you should not attempt to land with the drive in.  (we bent it -- but fixed it.) I need to get back out and practice some, I've not practiced since the lesson, despite my intentions to do so ... and I still have not come up with a good way to secure/stow the mirage drive yet .. but I've been playing with some ideas ....  I might take a "refresher" -- will definitely practice a bit too ..  When I get back home to SoCal!!  I'm up in NorCal now -- with my hobie!