Opinions wanted, Wave, 14T or 16

Hi all,
I am new to this forum, but not new to sailing. A little background: Back in 1990 I had a mint 14T, prism sail, trap, etc. but sold it back then because I was always trailering, setting up solo, (stepping the mast etc was a real pain alone). So I dabbled w/ a couple of monohulls, a Force 5 (hated that boat), then later on a Zuma (it was ok, but like they say, once you have had a CAT, you don't want anything else. Or something to that effect )

Eventually I went to a 17' bowrider stinkboat, mostly because I got into fishing, and camping on remote lake islands. Kind of gave up sailing for a while.

So now, 10 or so years later, I am REALLY getting the itch to get back into it. Plus I want to teach my two kids, 4 and 8, to sail. They love the water and hanging around watercraft. I know they would love a cat.

I now have access to a cottage on a small inland lake (about 1 mile long), so leaving a boat there partially rigged there is my plan.

For the most part, I would be sailing w/ no crew to speak of. The 2 kiddos would just be along for the ride, maybe man the jib. No real ballast here w/ a combined weight of maybe 90 lbs.

And I only weigh ~150, so I do have concerns that a 16 would be overpowerd for this lake, not to mention problems righting a it if it did blow over. Plus, I have read that 16's are not great for frequent tacking, as the jib battens tend to hang on the mast/halyard. Not sure how much of a concern that really is.

A 14T like I had was a blast, but as I recall, could get pretty squirrelly in gusty conditions. Not that there are huge winds on this lake, they are just unpredictable. Kind of a concern w/ younger ones.
The tramp on these is also a little limited on space (looking back at my old photos), especially w/ the jib blocks partially occupying the forward area real estate. Having the whole family of 4 aboard (in light wind only!) might be a little crowded.

Now, I am trying to decide, should I drop $4500 for a NEW Wave, (these are near impossible to find used up here in New England).

The much cheaper options include used 14T (need a jib for this one, as lots of tacking takes place on a small lake), or a used 16. I can find the latter two in decent shape for around 1-2k.

Safety, simplicity, and fun are utmost concerns.

So just looking for a few comments, with the collective experience of the forum members. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Jim

Go for the Wave. It's simple and almost bulletproof. Get the CLUB model. That way you can add the main traveler later.

If you want to add a jib or other go fast stuff, check out catsailor.com. Rick is a guru on all things Wave. He can recommend just about anything that'll heat up the boat.

_________________

I have a Hobie 20 and a wave. I bought the wave as a kid friendly boat. My 20 was a little too much for the two kids. My boys are 4 and 6. Both are now on the wire, but too small to sheet in the jib at all. The older boy could sail the wave alone, but he is cautious and I am not pushing him. The wave would be really easy to right if you capsize, but you may get bored on the boat because it is really more of a cruiser.

If speed and performance are factors, the 16 is a great boat. If a cruiser is more your speed, then buy the wave. The best option is to buy both. When the kids are ready to sail on their own, you have the kids boat. That then frees you up to sail the performance boat. Besides, you need the 16 to rescue the capsized kids.

Thanks for the replies! I think I am going to bite the bullet, and go for a new Wave. Now, off to the Wave forum...to the CATmobile!

wanna hobie.....
last year my wife bought a friends hobie 14.... we got one and spare parts. after spending many hundred dollars for parts and sail repair on the deal.
Extra parts we have are 2 hulls, tramp,mast & boom, and rudder(s) .... all very used. sail was N/G.... contact me [email protected] I also reside in "central Maine". CHEAP> but you will need to get a sail.

nu2hobie

Thanks for thinking of me, but ended up buying a new Wave, and love it! Lots of room for kiddos and adults, even he dog has been on it. Very forgiving boat too. The 14 is a nice little cat too, but had one many years ago and decided I wanted more of a family boat.
Thanks for the reply. And happy sailing w/ yours!

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave