Hobie Outback Sailing?

Just curious if anybody sails their Outback? I had a nice following breeze this weekend on the hour+ pedal back to the launch and though it’d be nice to catch some wind and save my legs. I feel it might be one of those thing where conditions rarely line up for it to be practical but I wanted to get your opinions.

Before I got my AI, I used to sail my Hobie Adventure (same as Revo 16) using the small Hobie sail. Without amas, sailing requires some attention, but the sail can give a nice boost in the right conditions. With the Hobie sail, you're not restricted to downwind sailing and, in fact, the fastest point of sail is when the wind is 90 degrees to the your direction (a "beam reach"). Of course, when the wind is from the side, there is also more tipping force. With the Hobie sail, you can even point into the wind--realistically, up to about 50 degrees off the wind direction. Believe it or not, sailing directly downwind is probably the trickiest direction with a "real" sail.

When are conditions right for sailing? That depends on what you expect the sail to do for you. If you envision the sail propelling you faster than you could pedal, without any effort on your part, you'll probably be disappointed. Those sort of conditions do arise, but it's pretty rare as the wind direction and speed both have to be within a narrow range (and even then, it's likely to be a white-knuckle experience). On the other hand, if you expect the sail to simply reduce your pedaling effort (in effect, giving you a boost in speed for a given effort), those conditions occur frequently.

I own a revo 11 and got my hands on a used sail thanks to Sailfish. I’m very satisfied with its performance. I haven’t used an Ama kit along Side the sail. Also witnessed someone having fun with their new red outback and matching sail in the Santa Cruz Harbor, no Ama.
I haven’t taken my the sail out with my kayak fully rigged for ocean fishing(fish finder, transducer, reliable kill bag, pvc rod holder/outriggers, two rods, bumpboard, stringer, wheels & gaff). Time is coming soon
But my initial experience was along the Santa Cruz wharf set up lightly(one rod, stringer, & gaff), it was a certainly fun moving with minimal effort. Felt pretty stable, had to lightly lean to counter balance the sail in the wind. I could imagine how it’d only take one good gust to capsize, if the wind changed directions and sailor wasn’t paying attention. Letting the wind take the sail, letting go of the tension would prevent that tho. Packing the sail in the haul until it were time to catch the winds back seems ideal. There was noticeable wind drag peddling into wind with the sail in furled and rolled away. Setting it up on the water would another step tho, potential for complications.
Then took a second sail at Spicer res. Light fishing set up, and fish finder. Worked very well for leisure traveling. Sail wasn’t much help for myself while fishing, imagine that takes a bit of technique, skill, and experienced weather observations.
Think I’ll utilized the sailing option more once I convert to pipe insulation/pool floats instead of leashes on most my gear.
Give YouTube a search too, I watched a few videos of hobie outbacks sailing before buying my sail.

Tried it on my old OB, and it was kind of fun, but decided if I really wanted to sail, an AI would be much better ultimately.   There's no furling mechanism unless you build one, so it can become difficult if the wind really kicks up to deal with taking it down. It would be hard to stow inside your hull, having to slide the sail off the mast and fold it, then wrap it up again.  Better to roll it up and use your paddle bungee to store it on the side. 

I did once see a guy use a umbrella to downwind sail his kayak all the way back to the launch at TC and thought that was genius. I also tried using a kite, but that was a dumb idea 

You should use the Sidekicks and the furling kit, there is no doubt there.  For the furling kit, you dont have to use Hobie's and make your own.  But after you're done making one, the cost should be closed to their price. 

Why use the Sidekicks?  When you experience a sudden breeze, you will be thankful .....

Wow! Thanks for the thoughtful responses. Love this community.
I actually have the AMA sidekicks (never used them) already so maybe I’ll give it a try. I usually try to KISS but if it’s something that increases opportunity to more grounds or makes an outing more pleasurable/fun then without being a hassle, maybe it’ll hit that sweet spot. I think I’d stash the sail on the side paddle bungee. Thanks for the info!

Joel

When I attempt a surf landing, I tuck in everything, including taking off the sidekicks (make sure you can take it off easily while on land, a lot harder on the water) and taking off the sail and putting them on deck.

As far as the sidekicks and furling kit, losing a nice rod setup and tackles will automatically pay for it.
Now, here is the real tip.  Having a sail is very very nice.  But if the wind blows the wrong way, your arrival to the landing spot will be affected in terms of effort, time and safety.  Yes, you can tack, but it could be a pain and lengthy time wise (i.e. one of the possible scenario is the longer you are out, the worse the weather/wind gets).  So, be sure to double check your forecast and be able to come back within reasons (yeah, the basics win again!).

And ...... despite all the gloom and doom, it is very fun to have the sail, so sail on!

Definitely recommend using the outrigger/ama.  When I see how much my AI wants to lean over on a nice gust, its definitely needed. 

Yes, you can tack, but it could be a pain and lengthy time wise (i.e. one of the possible scenario is the longer you are out, the worse the weather/wind gets).

Yes, if you need to go directly into a moderate-to-strong wind, you'll likely be better off just pedaling. This is important to keep in mind when planning your route. I've been on the water a fair number of times when the wind direction was 180 degrees out of phase from the forecast. Those are the days when you might get a real workout...

Just curious if anybody sails their Outback? I had a nice following breeze this weekend on the hour+ pedal back to the launch and though it’d be nice to catch some wind and save my legs. I feel it might be one of those thing where conditions rarely line up for it to be practical but I wanted to get your opinions.

Yup with no amas, however I do a couple things to help.  One, I never cleat the main.  I'm always ready to dump it if a big gust hits.  Two, I throw my leg on the windward gunnel to help stabilize the force.  I also add another pulley up front, so I pull to sheet in (like a sailboat or AI).