Which One ??

Not new to sailing small craft, Lazers, Internationals, Albacore... But this summer searching to find my first Hobie-cat. I have sailed many times the 14, 16 and a few times on an 18 (that was in the Ocean and big surf) My experience with the 14 and 16 has been within inland lakes in Northern Ontario (our lakes are pretty big!! ) but nothing like the great lakes or ocean.

I would like an 18 namely as I want the extra payload and capacity. Our desire is to pack / Camp from this craft. Two persons 300 lbs combined with about 100lbs of pack... to travel from island to island in Georgian Bay Set up camp lighten the load and then sail all day. Sort of Portage and camp but using a sail boat.

I think this may be a bit much for a 16 although is would suit our little cottage lake better. 400 Lbs in a 16 seems to be a stretch, I know very little about the 18's Can someone fill me in of what problems I can look for.. I have heard the Hull around the dagger board openings it fragile and wears easy and if damaged It can't be repaired .... ( this from a fellow trying to sell me an nice 16 So somewhat subjective)

Can the forum fill me in on what i am looking at and should be looking for beyond the obvious Rigging, soft spots etc etc.



thanks

Sharpy

Look at a Hobie Getaway.

Neither the 16 or the 18 are well suited for this - although I know it's been done a lot before. However, that tends to be people who already own the boat for other reasons, then decide to go daysailing / camping. Rarely do you hear of them making a regular thing of it.

The 16 has load capacity issues and the 18 is too low to the water to begin with.

The Getaway has neither of these problems and since it's a roto-molded boat, it's much more forgiving on rocks than a fiberglass one.

The Wave performance seems to drop dramatically with weight over 400 lbs. but it may be worth considering.

Pros: It would be a great lake cottage boat, easy to transport, easy to single hand, plenty of room.
Cons: It may feel small and bogged down when loaded with your gear.

But for two people and weight at 300 lbs, she should do pretty well.

_________________

"HOBIE....
Say it LOUD and there's music playing...
Say it SOFT and it's almost like praying.....
I just sailed my WAVE out the Marina !"
West Coast Story