which cat?

Ok, I have been recalled to active duty from the Navy reserves. I was going to get a new boat soon but looks like I have more time now. My wife and younger son like to sail occasionally. My 12 year old and myself like to go out in 20 knots + and try to make a boat fly. Question is, now that I apparently have another year to save up, should I get an 18 or stick with the 16 for when the family wants to sail as well? I have never sailed the Tiger but have sailed 16s since I was a kid. Can the Tiger or Wild Cat be a decent family boat or would it be too troublesome?
Any chance hobie is gonna reintro the H-20 in response to the Nacra 20 carbon?

Thanks

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Why did I sell my 16?

Millipede - First of all, Thank you for your service to our country!
You haven't provided us with enough information: Your weight, wife's weight, conditions where you sail (shallow obstructions?, kelp/seaweed?...).
There is NO such thing as The Perfect Boat. You'll have to make some compromises.
Do you plan on racing or mostly recreational use?
Do you want to deal with daggerboards, or the ease and convenience of assymetrical hulls?
Can you and your 12 yr. old right your boat after capsizing? Bigger isn't always better!
18??? 16??? There's so much more to choose from. Getaway with a tramp up front???
Good luck
Richard

Yeah, we thought about the Getaway too. Almost scored a hurricaine damaged one for next to nothing with very repairable problems. But I was too late for it.
Lets see, I am 6'4" and about 225 lbs. Son is just over 100 lbs. Wife is ummm not under weight and the other soneis maybe 60 lbs.
I have thought about the dagger boards, kind of worried about remembering them honestly. Sailed the h-16 and wave mostly as far as catamarans go but have sailed many monohulls with daggerboards, but I have never beached one.
I would like to race, but mostly just want to go fast lol. I am looking for a boat that is raceable but at the same time can be used just to float around the water.
Location currently is mostly lakes and reserviors so it varies a lot as far as depth and water hazzards. We are planning on moving to the beach after I return from duty so I am thinking about that as well.
Thanks

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Why did I sell my 16?

Im 6'2 245 And I can right the Tiger by myself. It seams alot of boat at the beginning but it really respands to tuning ang controls. It can be easily depowered and my 100# wife can handle the spin.
Coming from the 18 I love the Tiger and wouldn't want to go back.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

If you are around Shreveport, there is no ocean sailing too close by... and that means dodging sandbars... and that means skeg boat... and that means either a 16 or a Wave. Getaway is too much boat for the kiddies, I think.

In the meantime, if you are riding round the world, I'd check out the F16 and F18 offerings. Lots of choices. Lots of dollars too.

So, did you sell your 16?

I just bought a H18sx with sx wings. I love it. The wings make for a great family boat, and there is definitely enough power for that much weight. I probably had 550lbs on mine over the 4th and still managed to fly a hull in lighter winds. I'm 220lbs and find that I'm too heavy for the 16 in most light air situations, which being a lake sailor is unfortunately more the rule than the exception.

The Kids have a Hobie 3.5 they can sail alone (as soon as i round up the parts to get it going). I am not letting them out on my boat without supervision lol. Especially if I get something fast. I am worried about the lack of deep water around here but there is a pretty good chance that we are not going to stay here after I return to the states. I would like to go to coastal NC or SC but I would have to check with work for openings. The Getaway woud be nice but I am afraid I would get bored with it quickly. But I guess you can't really tell until you try it. At least all the family will fit on it.

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Why did I sell my 16?

Where can I go to try out a few different boats with my wife? I live in Shreveport, LA. I think there is a dealer in Dallas but not sure about test driving them first. Thanks

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Why did I sell my 16?