upgrading

but for two people the 16 would be good? do you think i could find a wave with the trailer for that much?

IMHO: The 16 is good for two people, but (for many novice owners) not one. On the other hand, the Wave is good for one OR two people. Where are you located?

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joanie / Hobie enthusiast: 4 H-14Ts, 2 Waves, FloatCat 75, 4 Adventure Islands, and my DUNE Tandem Island!
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Kennesaw, Georgia, why?

I was going to give a quick look-around the internet, to see if I could find a Wave "for sale" in your area. Plus, you mentioned that cost was a factor... Your location can influence prices; and, your chances of finding one within your price range.

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joanie / Hobie enthusiast: 4 H-14Ts, 2 Waves, FloatCat 75, 4 Adventure Islands, and my DUNE Tandem Island!
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What can I say? I never met a Hobie I didn't like . . .

I was reading these posts and felt I needed to stand up for the 16. I've only sailed Waves on vacation in the caribbean, but have found them to be slow and boring, more built for tourists who just want to go out and ride around and not flip over. I agree that the 16 is a handful if sailed solo or as a beginner, but that's part of the excitement. The fleet is bigger, so your gradual progression and learning curve will lead you to more opportunity in racing. And when you're trapped out solo on a 16, enjoying the spray and the sun......it just doesn't get any better.
That's my two cents, good luck with your choice.

What leeside said. My experience from people going for a ride on my 16 or 18 when the wind picks up is no one wants to go slower but either get off the boat or sail faster.

LEESIDE LAZY.RIGHT ON!.

Well, I based my opinion on "scoutsailer" being a young-ish sailor, with little to no experience on a catamaran. (I could be wrong - just guessing.) I agree, an H16 would provide thrill rides and that "hint of trouble" that E.B. White has written about. But a Wave might be considered the "less aggressive" of the two. Also, no one is locked-in to only one boat... Just as "scoutsailer" is upgrading from a Capri to a multihull; in time, maybe an H16 or 17 can be an upgrade from the Wave.

I don't know "scoutsailer", and so I don't know his/her sailing experience, age, weight, or whether "scoutsailer" will usually be sailing solo or with crew. I don't know what body of water is nearby, or how many other boats are in the area. And "LeesideLazy" is right - there are LOTS of H16s "out there" (lots more than Waves), so the fleet is bigger - and - there will be a larger market for used boats AND replacement parts (when the time comes). Waves, on the other hand, don't get their sailors in as many jams, and the hulls can withstand more punishment.

Actually, if there are H16s and Waves in the area, my advice would be to check them both out. Ask the owners if you can sail with them one afternoon - get a feel for which craft you might handle better. That would be the best way to go, I think. Only "scoutsailer" knows what he or she is willing to take on. IMHO.

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joanie / Hobie enthusiast: 4 H-14Ts, 2 Waves, FloatCat 75, 4 Adventure Islands, and my DUNE Tandem Island!
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OK time for my 2 cents worth.

I've owned an H16, H14 and currently have an H17.

The H16 was a nice boat but definitely a hand full when single handed in big wind. Older ones can be bought for less then $2000.00

The H14 is designed to be soloed and any more then one person on it (any more the 300lb both sailor and passenger) is way too much so its not the best if you just want to put around. They can be purchased for less then $2000.00

The H17 is designed to be single handed. It has a bit more bouyance then the H14 so a second person on board is possible but not if you want fly around the lake. The H17 has some great features but its not as tough as the H16 or H14. The price is coming down on them but decent ones are still over $2000.00

There is a wave out at the club. The gentleman that owns it bought it after finding the H16 was too much for him to handle. He sailed it for a couple years and got the technique down pretty good then went with an H14 and now an H17. The wave is still holding its value but I am sure if you shop around you can find on for under $2000.00 (mmight have to travel a bit to get it)

The wave is durable, very buoyant, light, simple to rig and sail.

I haven't been around any bravo but I suspect they more intended as a beginners boat.

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Division 10, Fleet 185
Hobie 17 and Hobie 14

I weigh 120lbs, but i would usually be sailing with a crew. I sail on Lake Allatoona, which had 17mph winds that we were out in once, but thats about all the wind we get. We were thinking about going to Savannah area to test out the wave and possibly the 16, but its expensive just to go down there and test them. I am a he. i don't have experience on a multihull, but a good bit of experience on a monohull.

I'm thinking the H16. You can grow into it and the sailing fun will last a long time. Think of it like buying a pair of shoes. They may not fit right away but soon you'll grow into them. You can mostly control the wind you go out in until you get the feel of the boat and with your monhull experience you'll be fine.

Hobie sailing is about the fun and thrill of the ride. Teh 16 is the most common boat out there that can give you this and there is a LOT of 16 sailors who can advise you. Good Luck with whatever you do - and we look forward to welcoming you to the Cat world.

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1984 Hobie 18

IF(and notice that's a big if) you had said, "but i would occasionally be sailing with a crew." I would have highly recommended a 14. At that weight, and up through possibly 160-165 pounds, the boat will fly. And after mastering the 14, you will be capable of sailing any other catamaran comfortably. Much more than 200 pounds on board a 14 will seriously limit performance, and they are increasingly harder to find in good condition.

So...my vote will be for the 16 as well, if you find it to be too overpowered it will be relatively easy to resell and then search for a Wave. On the other hand, you can (as stated) grow into the H16.

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

definitly the 16 if you are going out with a crew. It will be a lot more fun than the Wave.

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Why did I sell my 16?