H-18 SX vs. Tornado 20. Need help.

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a cat to sail in a large lake in NH (Winnipesaukee if anyone knows of it). I plan to bring at least one other person on the boat with me, but will sometimes try singlehanding. Two I have found are the H-18 SX, and I was lucky enough to find a Tornado for sale.

It will also be a boat I will take my family on from time to time. I really like the wings on the 18, but I think there is more room on the tramp of the T. I also like to go as fast as possible; that's always fun.

Two problems I see are rigging times, and holding both down with about 300 lbs of combined weight.

I know this is a Hobie forum and might be a little slanted, but if you guys could advise, that would be awesome.


Thanks

Sounds like a sweet problem to have. Either way you end up with a cool boat.

I admit to some bias since I own an 18SX but hear me out. The Tornado would of course be faster since it has more sail and is wider and so on. But that extra width means you probably would need a special tilt trailer assuming you can't store it mast up near the launch site. I have never been on a Tornado but have watched videos of them and I can't imagine soloing such a beast. It is not likely that you would be able to right it by yourself.

The 18SX is still a fast boat and can be soloed in lighter winds. I will admit that I have not capsized by myself so I can not comment on whether it can be righted solo. The wings do make the boat a lot more roomy when you want to take the family along. My typical crew and I weigh around 300lbs and we have a blast. When it starts blowing over 20mph consistently we need to be double trapped or we need a third person.

All in all I love my 18SX, but I would sure like to go for a ride on a Tornado!

I hope this helps some and let us know what you decide on.

_________________
Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

Thanks for the reply. Getting a trailer that will transport it will be difficult. One of the hulls can be unbolted and transported on a regular trailer if I can't find one.

Also, I have never seen the rigging of either boat, so I don't know how long it will take to set up.

It's probably too much boat for me anyway, but I found a great deal on one--sailed in '76 Montreal Olympics, 3 mains, 2 jibs (one is a rew roller furler), a few upgrades, etc.

Any more advice or comments appreciated. Thanks.

As I understand it, a Tornado is a race boat, but an 18 SX is a hybrid of racing and recreation. The difference is ease of use. If you are a recreational sailor then the Hobie is your best bet (parts are readily available and cheaper; rigging is easier; transport is easier; storage is easier).

If you are aiming to become a high caliber racer then go with the Tornado. Don't buy the Tornado because of a good price, since the hassles associated with such a boat may outweigh the benefits. And certainly don't be bamboozled with claims the boat sailed in the '76 Olympics, since that has nothing to to with whether or not the boat is a fit for YOU.

HEy Winnipesaukee,

Where are you located and where is this Tornado you are looking at?

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

The Tornado is on Lake George.

Why do you ask?

Sorry, excuse my stupidity but i do not know where lake George is, the reason I am asking is that if you should choose to not get the T I might look into it.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Lake George is in upstate NY.

Nevermind then! That is a little to far to drive for a boat.

In my opinion I would say get the T, I find myself all the time thinking "I just need a little bigger/faster boat" if you had the T that thought wouldn't exist...at least for a few days.

But I am sure the 18 would be a blast also.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

double post. My bad.

How long does the T take to rig (off a trailer)? How long does a H-18 SX take to rig?

Also, the hulls were described as "recently refurbished," but all surfaces are "bendy but characteristic of the breed." Am I looking at delamination problems? I don't plan on racing the T, and if I do (YEARS from now), it will be with a newer boat.

I am not sure what you mean by bendy, do you mean the sides flex when you press on them? That is probably okay, but I am no T expert.

The 18 which should be very close to my nacra 5.2.... I can rig my 5.2 alone in 20-25 minutes depending on how much I hurry and if I have beer with me.

The T... I am just guessing that it will be longer, but if you have a tilt trailor, it shouldn't be to bad, not much worse than the other boat. But if not a tilt trailor.... I am guessing at least an hour but I am not sure.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Not my words. I haven't seen the boat yet. The seller said all surfaces are "bendy."

Bendy....that might be bad if the seller is calling it that. I would say look at the boat.

Then you should tow it to OKlahoma to make sure the trailor works well, then decide you don't want it and leave it at a random house on Dorchester dr in Norman, OK... yep sounds like a plan.

I am not sure what they might mean by bendy, but if you are afraid to step on the hulls stay away from the boat.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Why trailer it? I can just fly it over there.