RE: Hobie Hawk set up
Hey Joe, lucky you!
I've owned two Hawks over the years, and sold the last one about 5 years ago.
Here's some tips:
Washout is essential, about 1/4" or so.
Setting the CG is critical, and it's not a simple as balancing it on your fingertips. Do you have the manual? It shows how to do it, a rather bizarre procedure compared to what you may be used to.
Don't let the attitude of the fuselage fool you into flying it too slowly. The stall is vicious. Keep the nose down!
When landing, don't try to grease it in or that low nose will pop you right back up into the air. Try to smoothly flare it in, but not too high, the stall is vicious.
Don't try any tight, Sailaire style turns, at least not near the ground. The stall is vicious.
When launching, don't just let go of it, THROW it hard and up so that it has flying speed when it leaves your hand. I can't over stress how important this is!
The Hawk is a great plane, and it's capable of amazing performance. However it can be a ***** to fly well. Keep the speed up, be smooth on the controls, and don't worry about spot landings at first.
I've often regretted selling mine. I really need to get over to Park Falls now!
Cheers,
Dave