H16 or a Wave?

I am looking to get into sailing and doing it with my 6 yr old son and 4 yr old daughter. The two options I am currently looking at are either the H16 or a Wave. I like the Wave but I can't find a used one at a reasonable price in the Dallas, TX area. I can find several different H16's at a reasonable price (meaning for what I can afford at the moment) for less than $1500.

If money was not a consideration, would I be better getting into a Wave or an H16? Which one will best allow me to learn and grow with the boat without outgrowing it?

Does anyone ever upgrade from a Wave to an H16 or bigger?

I definitely want to learn to fly a hull!

Thanks.

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

I was in a similar stuation a few weeks ago, when I was considering a few used H options. I too have little ones, 4 and 8.

I have never owned a 16, (I did have a 14T once) but have researched it, gathered opinions from this forum, and came to the conclusion that the Wave is the perfect boat for me.

Consider this: The Wave has more trampoline area, no boom, (safer for all, esp kiddos), much easier to transport ansd set-up (you could do it alone, not so easy w/ a 16), Wave is much easier to handle alone, easier to right if you capsize it. Plus, your kids can learn to sail it alone eventually.

I ended up buying new. Just don't see them used around here. I have had my Wave for about 2 weeks, and probably put about 15 hrs on it. I love it . Very easy to sail, less high strung than my old H14T. I have yet to fly a hull, but have come close. My 8 yr old son is looking forward to that!

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

Jim,

Thanks for the response. I agree with your logic. I would rather have the Wave at this point. It's just a matter of money. Used Wave's aren't easily available here either. That means I'm in about $5K for a new one, as opposed to spending about $2K or less for decent used H16. However, if the H16 is difficult to rig by myself that makes it not a realistic option anyway.

I'll keep looking through the classified ads and saving my money!

Michael

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

OK,
I have sailed cats since I was eight and am now 43. I currenly own a Hobie 20 and a Hobie Wave. I have two boys, four and six. I bought the wave because eventually they will be able to sail it on there own, and the 20 was scaring them a little, but the thing that turned them on to sailing was getting on the wire on the 20. Now learing to sail the wave looks a little closer.

Your current problem is money. If getting on the water sooner is your goal, buy the 16. Either boat will serve you well. Get your local dealer and fleet in on the decision as to what you buy and where you sail. Rigging alone is never a problem where I sail as there is always a cat sailor to help rig, launch, and retreive the boat. The offer of a cool drink helps in recruiting. I know this from experience.

You will grow out of the Wave, you will grow into the 16. I don't want you to miss interpret this. I still sail the Wave for fun, but the 16 is faster and more powerful. The Wave is easy to sail except in high winds, the 16 is a challenge except in mild wind. Take your time, ask an experienced cat sailor to help you either way. Take a ride on both if possible. One quick ride will tell you a great deal about both boats.

Both boats will serve you and your kids well, but an experienced eye will save you money. Your local dealer will know if the boat you are looking at is a deal or a money pit. Ask them what to look for, then pay them for an inspection before you buy. When you buy the new boat, you may also need new wires, lines, and some equipment like lifejackets and harnesses, sailing clothing (wind/water gear), gloves, telltales, wind indicators... ...buy these from the local guy and keep them in business. This is not upselling you, it is for safety and a fun filled first day on the water. A dropped rig will at the very least wreck your day, and scare the kids, and the possiblilites just get worse from there.

Buy comfortable life vest for both you and the kids. Good quality, comfortable life vest are more likely to be worn and will keep you warm on a windy day. A poor fitting kid's life vest alone will make your kids hate sailing. Make the kids sit with the vest on (not in a chair, on the floor like on the boat's trampoline). Is the lifejacket too long and pushing up on their face, funny looking but not fun. I know this from personal experience as a kid and now as a parent. The same is true for trap harnesses. Hold off on the harnesses until you have basic sailing down, but this really shouldn't take too long.

Whatever you decide, welcome to the club.

Thanks for the reply. I like your suggesting of getting a test ride on each if possible. I know where I can get a test ride on a Wave. I'll have to see about an H16.

Best wishes!

Michael

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

I have one other question for Hammond or anyone else on the forum. How old do you think your kids will need to be before they can sail your H20 (or an H16) by themselves?

How old do you think they will be before they can sail your Wave by themselves?

Thanks!

Michael

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Michael
'86 H16 #91487

Not sure about appropriate age for the 16/20, but I expect that by next year my 8yr old should be able to solo in the Wave. He is learning the 'ropes' now. Heck, I may even let him do it himself (supervised from a small motorboat) in light winds this summer.

The Wave is a great cat for kids, as it is stable, forgiving, and only requires ~100lb person to right. And believe me, you have to WANT to tip it. I have tried, and have yet to succeed!

The 16 is a powerful boat w/ 218sf of sail, as opposed to the Wave's 95sf. In moderate / heavy winds, I understand it can take a crew of at least 2 just to hold it down. And righting a 16 takes some weight, 1 heavy person or a crew.

If you have the opportunity to try both, then you can compare for yourself.

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

So did you make a decision?

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'08 Hobie Wave, Hobie Adventure Islands

Michael, where are you located?

Michael,

If I read correctly, you’re in Dallas, yes?

I recently bought a Wave from Mariner Sails. I’m pleased with it and would recommend it, but I will probably outgrow it quite soon. My logic was ease of rigging (easily done solo), ease of storage (I trailer in my driveway), ease of transportability, ease of solo sailing and the fact that I’m teaching my girlfriend to sail on an “easierâ€

Michael
There is a hobie Wave on Ebay for reasonable right now located in OKC, not too far from you.
ebay #180156449366