Buying a new Wave...just a few questions...classic vs club

Well, after much debate, it looks like I am taking the plunge, and buying a new Wave.

I have two local dealers (within 100 miles), the closest one has one new Wave left, a standard version for $4399, and another dealer has a few, all club models, ranging from 2004 to 07, these are new or leftovers. Prices on these club versions range from $4495 for the 04 leftover, to $4895 for the 07. Does this sound right? Should a club model cost $400 more? (I am comparing the two dealers prices on the 07's they have in stock, one has the classic, other is club) Is it worth that xtra $$ for a club? I am not concerened about the model year other than the price. As long as it is new.

Next, I understand the main difference is the laced tramp on the club. Besides the ability to put a traveller on later, what advantage does the club laced tramp have? Is it more durable? I really have no need to disassemble the boat, so I would not mind the more permanent tramp.

I also read that the mast on the club model is bonded as one piece, as opposed to two. Is this true? If so, is it more durable than the two piece mast of the standard model?

And, none of these availble locally have the "Multi-Sail Zipper-Reefing Sail" option. What exactly is that, and is it really that desireable an option? I have not been able find ay pictures or detailed description of what that is.

Any input is appreciated!
Thanks
Jim

Can't PM or e-mail you so posting. I'm contemplating selling our Hobie Wave Club model in SoCal. Send an e-mail if interested.
nikolakomar at yahoo dot com

Thanks anyway, but shipping to Maine would be prohibitive!

The two versions are very similar.

The trampoline on the club can be laced tighter. The Classic may sag a little.

The masts are the same. Neither is glued.

The wires (shrouds and forestay / bridles) are a little different. The club uses shroud adjusters, clevis pins and rings that allow for more adjustment in mast rake / tension.

The Classic is great for storage and easy disassembly.

The Club is best for more other uses.

The zippered sail option is rarely sold, but can be great for kids and very high winds.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt. So, with the rigging, can shroud adjusters be added easily? Or does the entire hardware set need to be replaced if one wanted more adjustability?

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

You can add the adjusters and Club length wires easily. Some older Classics will require drilling the chain plates to allow the clevis pin attachment to the hull.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

So, with these upgrades, that is how they justify the increase in price on a club.

I will say having a rep from Hobie monitoring and responding to tech questions etc, is a great resource. Thank you Hobie, and Matt!

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

They may be different year models.

One more change in recent years is the EZ Loc rudder system. Older Waves had aluminum castings with spring loaded cams for rudder lock down. These required more finesse and effort to lock down. The also are more maintenance sensitive. The cams and plungers need to be lubricated.

The newer EZ Loc rudders are lighter and simple to operate.

Some users (racer types mostly) prefer the older aluminum system as you can sail with one rudder up. The older system also had "akerman" that means the rudders will turn at different rates. The inner rudder turns sharper. The new system is parallel at all times. This will mean a little more drag when making sharp turns / tacks.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The oldest one I am looking at is a 2004, still brand new on showroom floor. That is a club model. Would that have the new rudder system? Is the old system like what was used on the old 14's?

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

A 2004 would have the old system. Like a 14, but the castings are actaually like the 17, 18 and 20 version. Like an open / hollow "D".

I think we went to EZ LOC just a couple years ago.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Hmmm, that may actually help me make a decision. I don't mind a little maintenance, if it is a more efficient system, sail-wise. I don't recall having trouble w/ the rudders on my '85 14T. Just took a certain technique.

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

Well, as you can see from my last post, I am strongly leaning towards the Club version.

I don't have a cat trailer, I will be utilizing my 5x8 utilty trailer, plus my pickup bed and kayak rack for the mast and crossbar sections, smaller parts will be in the bed. In order to accomplish getting the boat on the trailer, I will need to disassemble the tramp/lacing, and hope everthing slides apart easily. Actually, I really only need to slide the tramp out from the forward crossbar. The rear to halves are just laced, so that rear grommet section can stay put on the rear crossbar.

Then I will lay and secure the hulls on the center portion of trailer. I will leave each tramp half on ea hull, wraped and secured to the center bed of the trailer.

I think it will work out, my only concern is with the laced tramp not sliding out of the tracks easily, thereby causing some damage to the tramp/tracks. Anybody ever taken their Club Wave apart, or replaced the tramp? I read the assy instructions for the club tramp, and they advise the user about using silicone or soap when installing, I am hoping that it will slide apart after being assembled for 3 years.

Anybody see a flaw in this plan? I hate to drive 2+ hrs, just to find out I will need to come up some other way of getting this thing home.

Thanks in advance.

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

Dis-assembly. Pretty easy and a loose fit. Won't damage the tramp.

No problem with that plan. Best with two people when doing this.

After unlacing the tramp, slide the half forward a little. Each person then stands at a crossbar facing one of the hulls. Hold the crossbars and lift slightly. Use your knees against the hull to slowly push the hull off the crossbar. Once one hull is off, roll the other hull on to its side, crossbars up. Then lift the crossbars out of the second hull.

Re-assembly. One hull on its side. Two people. Feed the tramp into the forward crossbar, then slide into the hull. Slide the rear crossbar in. Roll the boat upright. One person can roll the second hull upright and then insert the crossbars a little. Then work front and back pulling the hull onto the crossbars. Pretty sure the video shows all of this as well.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Many thanks again Matt!

I will post an update once I actually get the thing.

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

One more question, regarding the tillers, are 2004 models using the older tenon design, or is it the newer (PN1956?) style which are thru bolted?

Also, concerning EZ Lock system on the 2006-up models, can the rudder rake be adjusted without re-drilling the blades?

Thanks!

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave