Getaway similiar to Hobie 16?

Have been thinking about saving up until next summer to purchase a used
Hobie 16, preferably at least an 80's model. Thought it would be a good idea to rent one first and try it as I haven't sailed anything in about 25 years. Problem is...only a Getaway is available in the Ocean City, MD area where I live. Will the Getaway be similiar to the Hobie 16?

Other than the fact they are both wind powered they are not alike. Rent the getaway and see how you like it. If you find it fun but not as fast as you would like get a 16. If it is fast to you then get a getaway. You can always move up as you get more experience.

If you ever get to Annapolis, I sail an H18. It's not as simple as the H16, but it has about the same speed (the H18 is faster).

Feel free to contact me about setting up a sail or answering any questions about buying a Hobie. If you find one you like I would be glad to go look at it with you.

Hobienick at gmail dot com

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

The 16 and Getaway are quite different animals.

The older 16 is a light fiberglass boat (2 people max, it drags in the water with more), but is very lively and fast. Great boat for racing and pushing things to the limit when you're young and ready to get wet.

The new Getaway is a rotomolded boat (carries a whole family on evening cruises). While not as sporty as the 16, it's still fun to sail solo. It's much more forgiving.

I used to sail a 16 30 years ago in the snow on lakes in France. I've now settled to a Getaway in the Puget Sound. A fiberglass boat would get trashed on the rocky beaches we have here.

Just depend what kind of sailing you want to do. Both boats are a blast. Just get on the water, and start living!

Thanks everyone for the sound advice. I recently found a place in Ocean City that rents a Hobie 16 so I'm hoping to get out onto both Getaway and 16 before the summer is over. Nick it would still be great to get together with an experienced "cat person" if we can coordinate the times. Unfortunately I work every F-S-S when the rest of the world is off.
Thanks again everyone!

Take a ride up to the Rehobeth Bay Sailing Club just south of Dewey Beach. Great folks there and I'm sure they would steer you right.

Jo,

I am feeling a little... ill. If there is a day during the week that we can coordinate let me know. I can probably get one off. My job is fairly flexible. It will have to wait, however, until after August.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Hey Nick,
I can tell from your post that you are looking pale and feeling weak, nothing that 15-20 kts wouldn't cure! Hopefully August will be a good time.

Hey mrw,
Thanks for the hook up on the Rehoboth Yacht Club. I surfed their web sight and they do look like a nice group, and it looks like they rent Hobies!
Thanks Again,
Jo