Hobie Bravo; is it fun or boring

I've been sailing with my buddy on his Prindle 19, got me totally hooked, but now he moved away. I've sailed a Hobie 16 a couple times with a friend and am thinking of getting one for myself, except I will be going out by myself and will need to set the boat up myself too. I really like the ease of going out on the Bravo, this is exactly what I had in mind; a 1 person catamaran that's very easy to set up. However, I'm a little concerned that I will get bored sailing such a small boat after a few times. Does anybody have experience at sailing this boat? I'm open to alternatives, but really don't see anything that sets up this easily. I'm not a speed freak, just want to have fun. Would love some feedback from anybody who has or has sailed a Bravo. Thanks

Several of us have successfully set up and sailed the H16 solo. Two alternatives to a Bravo would be the Wave or a H14. Never sailed a Bravo, but compared to a P19 has to be like night and day. I the long run, I think you'd be much happier with the Wave, 14 or 16.

Sailing a catamaran is anything but boring

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

I would really like to get a H16 but am very concerned about setting it up by myself. I have heard it's not that bad, and heard that you really need 2 people. Regardless, I don't want to spend an hour setting up and breaking down to be sailing for an hour or 2. I really wouldn't mind compromising on a small boat that sets up super fast, if it will be fun. I can't get anybody to tell me if the Bravo is going to be fun or if I really shouldn't consider it.

Much easier with two (25-30 minutes), if you have the right rigging and spent an hour (by yourself) would be way too long.

Like I say never sailed a Bravo but just looks like more of a youth boat. With a Wave you could easily take a friend/s.

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

I really don't see myself going out with a friend, so solo is what I'm looking for. When I say an hour, I mean setting up and taking down. I agree, it looks like a youth boat, but would like to hear from somebody who either has one or sailed one.

I've sailed a Bravo quite a bit and I enjoy it more than I do the Wave. The rigging time is quicker and easier and I like the feel of the boat better. It reminds me a lot of sailing a Laser but not quite as maneuverable or responsive or tippy. Overall a fun boat to sail, especially if you can get at least 2 on the water and do some short course racing.

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Greg Thomas
Hobie Factory Team

Thanks so much for the response. How much do you weigh? Is this an issue? I way 185. What sort of wind do you need to get it going? If you were going out by yourself for a short spin around the lake (an hour or so) would this be the catamaran to pick for you? Would you consider anything else?

Also, I'm wondering with the solid contruction of the boat if you get much water in the boat as opposed to the trampoline style.

From a P-19 to a Bravo?

I agree with John Eaton, I think performance wise, you would be much better off with a Wave, or a 16.

I sail my 16 single handed ALL THE TIME, I do NOT have any special rigging for raising the mast by myself. I have never had a problem enslaving someone at the launch ramp to pin my forestay, I'm out and sailing in about 45 minutes.

The 16 is not a hard boat to single hand, once you get the hand of it, I have even capsized while solo and righted it by myself (With the help of a righting bag).

Good luck in your decision!

Is it possible for you to test-sail the boats you're interested in? That's the best advice you can give yourself.

There is no dought that a H16 would out perform the Bravo, be more fun, etc., but I would not get one to set up myself and take out. I would not like spending 45 minutes setting up to go out for an hour or 2. Where I launch doesn't often have others close by to help with the mast pinning. I know it's a compromise, but setting up quick and easy is very important to me. But what I need is some response from experienced Bravo sailors to give me an idea of what this boat CAN do, not compare it to a H16

There's no such thing as a "perfect" boat! We've had our H 16 for 26 years, and now that we're older my wife doesn't like to sail as often. I'm retired & sail solo most of the time. I have no trouble finding help at the launch ramp stepping the mast.
Whatever boat you decide to buy you'll be making compromises. You'll have to decide what's most important to you - speed, ease of setting up, durability, occasionally sailing with a friend or relative.......
I love my H 16. The only flaw is the 45 min. set-up which I don't really mind.
If you find the "perfect" boat or find a lighter, yet durable mast for the H 16 - please let us know.
Good luck!

OKDK,

where do you live? If there's a dealer nearby they may have a demo boat of each model to try out or they may know of somebody that purchased a boat that would let you take it out for a spin.

Here's a link to our demo page on the Hobie Cat website: http://www.hobiecat.com/company/demo-dealers.php

If you don't see a dealer with demo's available, try going to our dealer finder page http://www.hobiecat.com/company/dealer.html and contacting your nearest dealer for available demos.

If none of that works let me know.

BTW, I weigh around 155 and the other boat that typically goes out with me, he weighs around 170.

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Greg Thomas
Hobie Factory Team

I live in the Sacramento area, visited the Hobie dealer a few weeks ago and they had a bravo to look at. I asked about demo and they said they really didn't do that. They are listed as a demo location, so I'm not sure what I need to tell them. At this point, I'm considering a Bravo or Wave, so a demo on each would ge great.

Contact me at [email protected] and I can give you some more info

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Greg Thomas
Hobie Factory Team