Considering getaway as first cat

Got bit by the cat bug along time ago! Planning on getting one by summer now. At first I thought the getaway made the most sense for my first cat.... but now i'm thinking the 18 may be better long term fit as I get more into it. I'm 200 lbs, only would be sailing on small mountain lakes, would normally have another adult and maybe one kiddo (9), every once and awhile 2 kiddos. Will have mast up storage at lake. I know the getaway will be less intimadating at first and great with front tramp, but the 18 just looks like it's just as stable , when the winds blowing quite a bit more of a rush. Also I'd only be buying 18 with SX wings. Just curious if many of you getaway owners have 18 seat time too that has wings and thoughts. Hope everyones well and washing hands-

The issue would be finding an 18 and one with wings in good shape. Parts are starting to be an issue since the boat has been out of production for a LONG time.

The Getaway is way more durable for bumping rocks and docks.

The 18 is an awesome ride though! Lighter and quicker.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

It really comes down to what you want to get out of the boat. They both have their place. From a load carrying and stability standpoint, they are both very similar. Both have high volume hulls that resist pitchpoling and can carry 2-4 average size people. Both can be fitted with wings.

From a performance standpoint, the Getaway is entry to intermediate level. The H18 is a bit more advanced both in setup and performance. On the 18 you will have to deal with having a boom on the mainsail and daggerboards. Both add a little bit more complication, but also improve performance.

If you want the ultimate in quick, easy, fun sailing and aren’t concerned with being the fastest cat on the lake - Getaway.
If you want more hull flying, speed, and a bit more of an exciting ride - H18.

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Thanks so far. I'd only be considering getaway with wings or 18 with sx wings. In all honesty the getaway may be a better fit initially, but the SX wings look so much more comfortable.

How much time/experience do you have maintaining a boat? While it is possible to repair an 18 since it is fiberglass, it is time consuming and can become its own hobby.

As far as the comfort of the wings...gotta say I never sat on them much on my Getaway (nice backrest though) and my friends' 18 wings are also not used much since he's trapezed out mostly.

Nacra makes some quicker boats and some can be fitted with wings-although they aren't as kid friendly.

Speaking of kid friendly, a boom can kill your kid.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I have alot of experience with maintenance and oversized garage. The 18's Im considering are in tip top shape, I'd almost consider buying a new getaway or atleast 17 or newer. Wings are a must, the SX style are quite different than getaway. Curious as to which is more comfortable and pro's and con's.

With a lot of boat maintenance experience, then get a fiberglass boat. Plastic boats are frustrating for folks who like to do maintenance or modifications.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Wait, why are plastic boats frustrating for folks who like to maintain? Is it because you don't really have to do much of anything to maintain them?

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Bill P
'00 Wave
Webster NH

The wing seats on the newer getaways are two parallel bars with mesh instead of one solid piece. They are more like the H18 wings.

I've sailed both of these boats. I prefer the getaway with boomless main and front tramp because I have kids. It is also more stable and you don't have to deal with dagger boards. But the H18 is a lot of fun. Like others have said, it all depends on what you are looking for. They are both great boats in my opinion.

Yes; frustrating to have nothing to do but sail them and have fun . And, you can't really add "stuff" to the hulls like eyes or cleats for specific purposes like docklines or spinnaker sheet cleats (not that the boat needs them).

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I have a 2012 Getaway with the hard seats. I've had a couple of 17s with mesh seats, and the mesh seats are much more comfortable. I guess the new Getaways come with mesh seats, but I don't think they are as wide as the SX seats. My wife was able to lie down on the 17 seats to sunbathe. The Getaway seats are much too narrow.
How old are your kiddos? Make sure you can right the 18 by yourself. That was the reason I never got one. I can right the Getaway by myself.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

I'd normally have another adult with me, boy is 9. I'm 200 lb. Lakes I'll be at are very small mountain lakes( shoreline around 10 miles) and not real windy, especially compared to big lakes and ocean

Consider rigging time as well. The Getaway is the fastest cat off the trailer. Comparitively, H18's have wings that take slightly longer to deploy, a mast that takes longer to raise and a boom. It all adds up to a very significant difference.

I'll have mast up and wings out storage that is covered. I'm really on the fence, thinking the 2017 and newer getaway could be great fit , but 18 with sx wings may be more fun since the small lakes i'll be on don't have alot of wind blowing

I bought a 2019 Getaway last year and really like it. The bench seats are plenty comfortable. The boat sails much better than expected even with 3-4 on board. Zero regrets with this purchase.

Last month I picked up a 21se as a project, and it helps me realize having a go-to-no-problem Getaway is pretty nice. As for the 21... I’m excited about it, but spent today working on wing sockets. Woo hoo.