Thinking of buying a hobiecat. help?

I am a jet ski guy but I am thinking of getting into sailing. I am sick of using so much gas to have fun!! I have sailed monohauls before. I am think of getting a 16' cat.

I was wondering how much wind you need to have fun on these things and what kind of speed can I expect?

I would be sailing mostly on inland lakes in Michigan.

How much $$ is it going to take to get a decent 16' cat?

Any other advise!

It sounds like a hobie 16 or 18 will fit your bill perfectly. You'll be able to find a decent used hobie 16 in the $1000-2000 range, with some extremely nice boats on the $2000 end. This price should include trailer as well. You won't break 20 knots all that often, but even at 12 knots, it feels like you are flying! No gas bill either...nor any of the maintenance issues of an engine.
On those windy days (20+), you'll still be able to pull a waterskier or wakeboarder as well...
Good luck!

_________________
Trey Brown
www.velocitysailing.com
2006 N20 1017
1998 H16 102698
www.sunjammers.com ftw!

I'm in MI and a friend has a H-16 available. Also depending on where your at there are two great Hobie fleets (Detroit & Kalamazoo) and CRAM for racing, mostly NACRA cats. There are also smaller local regattas that get together for fun sails, & low key regattas. You can reach me for more info at djanddale"at"charter.com

_________________
1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

First, sailing a monohull is nothing like the thrill of sailing a catamaran, so you can throw out that comparison. Second, sailing requires many virtues, the least of which is Instant Gratification, while the greatest virtue is Patience.

Why patience? First you need to learn to sail, the basics of which can be learned in a day, but the finer points will take years. Then you need to rig the boat, which is about 30 minutes for experienced sailors, provided nothing breaks, drops in the drink, or is missing (so keep spares handy). Then, after you've spent the day on the water and shot your wad, you get to de-rig the boat, which in your weakened state takes longer than rigging.

There are also the myriad ways to be injured, and you don't have to be doing something stupid. For instance, as I was trapped out while crewing, the dang trap handle broke off in my hand, and on top of a gashed palm I got a cold swim in the SF bay while dragged behind the boat.

Also, the boat doesn't automatically come back and get you if you fall off.

However, for most of us on this forum, all the hassles of sailing a cat are worth it once you get a good wind and everything on the boat is working properly. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

I will add ALWAYS wear a life jacket. If the wind is blowing the boat will drift faster than you can swim if you turn over. AND even in light air a unexpected jib can happen and bang your head. I speak from experience, BE safe not sorry.

Welcome to the Hobie life.

Doug

Agree 100%.

Like DVL said, find yourself a local Hobie group and get to know them. My experience was that Hobie (and other cat) sailors were very helpful and friendly. I couldn't have done it without them.

_________________
2005 Hobie 16 - Ventura Nationals Boat #21
http://www.JackieandAlan.com

Chino12:

I would also get these:
With these one you will learn more than you can learn in 3 years on your own. Whole chapter on the 16. http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... =jqcmhpjpe These seminars are really good. Better to see than read. Watch over and over again. And KILLER price.
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... jnrorrrrg4

Doug

Rhino12:

I would also get these:
With these one you will learn more than you can learn in 3 years on your own. Whole chapter on the 16. http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... =jqcmhpjpe These seminars are really good. Better to see than read. Watch over and over again. And KILLER price.
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg= ... jnrorrrrg4

Doug

rhino12 Congrats for deciding to get off the gas, cause sailing is a blast. In making your decision, you need to ask yourself if you plan to sail solo or go with a crew. If solo, the H16 might not be the boat to start with and a H14 or H17 could be a better choice. I sailed a H16 for 20 years with the last 10 mostly solo (with a righting bag), then switched in 2002 to a H17Sport. The 17 is a faster boat (I've sailed several times at 25 mph+ when on a reach) and is more forgiving than the 16, but is greatly effected when the skipper/crew weight tops 380 lbs. The H14 turbo is a good solo boat and easily managed by one (though the turbo model has a tendency to pichpole when sailed hard in a good breeze). The H18 is definately a boat for 2. A life vest is a must and is only in the way when not worn. Good luck on your quest.