Shopping for a sunfish upgrade

Looking for something than can hold 2 adults and 2 children.
Ok, so the kids are 6 months old and 1 year old, but i am looking into the future. I weigh 270 lbs (6mo. old). My buddie weighs a measly 220 (1yr old). hehe so i have a few questions, but want to give more info first.
This is my expected break down of sailing.
40% of the time me solo or with my kid (hope to eventually make it plural)
20% of the time would be buddie, often with 2 kids
20% of the time Me, My wife, and kids
10% of the time 4 adults
10% of the time 2 adults

My wife is normal for a 5'6" female? (in other words i have no idea but not sure i want to know)
Like i said mostly will be just me but looking forward to sailing with my bud. There are four or five times a year when extended family gets together and it would be nice for 4 adults to be able to go out. (Next heaviest guy in family is about 200 lbs., i am by far the biggest)
Chances are there is nothing that will do all of this well but i would like to know the pros and cons of each size/style of cat. and if year made makes a difference.
questions
1. The wave and H16 are rated to hold 800 lbs. is this a realistic number for enjoying the sailing expierience?

2. What is the real weight limit on Waves, Getaways, 16s, 18s, 21s, ect..

3. At what weights can i expect good performance, Medium performance, poor yet sailable performance for each cat?

4. I have sailed numerous times on friends, and brother in laws (now sold) cat so have expierienced flying a hull and wonder which cats this is possible with and untill what weight? (will it be impossible for me at my weight to get a wave flying?)

5. will i get bored with a wave or getaway?

6. Does what year-model i pick make a difference or just size? (are all 16s rated at 800 lbs)
Anyways i could keep adding questions but i think this is a good place to start, I hope its not to long for my first post

the getaway is a great boat! I hardly ever get anyone wanting to upgrade, unless there racing. For rec sailing it's about as good as you can get!

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Brad Stephens
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Sounds like the getaway is the boat for you. I think that thing can hold all the weight you are talking about. Plus it has a front tramp so there is enough room to be comfortable.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

I figure a getaway will be the boat for me in a few years, however for now i was wondering if i could spend a a little less (and launch, upkeep eisier) on a Wave, 16, 18 or 21. just want to know my options.
1. Can the wave, 16 and 18 actually carry 800 lbs and still perform?
2. How about the 21sc?
3. realisticly how much weight and people can ride these boats at
A. high performance
B. Med Performance
C. Low performance, but still safe

Also is there anyone with kids out there that can tell me what age is good for taking them out? I grew up in bass boats and john boats which are much different than a cat, so i was on the water before i could crawl.

If a wave, 16 or 18 can carry 2-4 adults, and i can get one for under 2000, i wonder if thats not the way to start?

An 18. You and your friend will bog down a 16. Close to 500lbs the 16 becomes a plow. An 18 has more weight capacity and stability. You could get a nice shape 18 for 2k if you shop.

You will not get bored with a Getaway! I have no problems stepping the mast rigging the boat and launching it solo. I also have no problems keeping my two kids 12 and 17 interested in sailing because this boat is a blast. I have the wings on the boat which makes it a very wide and comfortable boat we are not in each others way. I normally have 4 to five people out at time. I have also sailed the boat with just two people and capsized the boat. This is one cool boat!

Good luck with making a choice.

our first boat is the getaway we bought it last year...we've had 5 people on it once....performance did suffer but it was still faster then a monohull...we just my dad and I we scream! mom dad sister and I we generally still go fast but you need a lot of wind....

I sail the getaway solo often and weigh 145lb...many say it is extremely hard to right if you weigh as little as I do...I generally have no problem doing it but im extremely fit and young (21) i do kind've have to rock the boat back over though


after a year I want something more high performance since i dont need the comfort of the wings.....my parents do...they both say they wouldnt enjoy it without the wings.

I have a getaway and it is a perfect boat for guest. Very roomy and comfortable with the wings. I had 4 adults (Approx. 700 lbs.) out in 15 mph winds and the getaway handled great. For comparison, last year had same crew out in about same conditions on a wave and it just plowed through the water. When it's just my wife and I, it's a blast. Unless you're looking for the performance of an 18, I'd recommend the getaway.