some background: recreational sailer looking to both simplify (sort of) and keep it fun. Currently have a bunch of water toys; 1999 16, mid 2000's bravo, and just bought a brand new Tandem Island and optional trampolines (doing my part to keep Hobie around). The TI is meant to be the main family fun boat, safe and fun for the young kids on day trips to local lakes. Typical day is family fun for a couple hours, lunch, then maybe some solo sailing for me while the kids play on the beach.
The question is what would make the best secondary boat. The bravo is fun, but not too fast and not fun like the 16, and crowded for 2 adults. The 16 is tons of fun, but really needs 2 people, which means I can only use it when friends (who can tow one of the trailers) come along, not just the family (at 175 lbs I don't feel comfortable sailing it solo in anything above 5-8mph breeze, and not too comfortable taking young kids that are not experienced swimmers on it).
Leaving out the hassle factor of selling the bravo and 16, etc, and assuming the price difference for any of the options is acceptable, what makes the best mostly solo fun boat, with room for others occasionally, and consolidating to s single trailer (TI under the cat, or, as now, TI next to Bravo on a double jets trailer)
Wave seems like a slightly bigger bravo, not too exciting. Does a jib kit help?
Dragoon? There is one for sale fairly close by in the classifieds right now, not sure how long before it sells. How would a boat like this compare to the bravo, or to a Hobie 14? 16? Anyone sailed one? Marketed as a youth trainer, but for a solo 175lb'er?
New 14/turbo - Hobie USA is now offering the 14 as a special order boat, and at least one dealer I have found online actually seems to stock them, and I assume my local dealer can order one as well. I had one 25 years ago, and recall it was a blast, but memory fades a bit from so long ago, anyone with recent 14 vs 16 experience. Other than the weight sensitivity, is it 90% performance of a 16? 80%. The ability to set up and sail it solo is really appealing.
T2? - Still a special order boat, but seems as large/larger than the 16, is it really. good solo boat? With less sail area, probably more manageable to sail, but certainly not to right solo. maybe more secure when the family or kids join me? what is the fun factor compared to a 14/16
Getaway - Seems like a slower, heavier T2
Other thoughts or experiences? Thanks in advance, looking forward to some discussion, I read through many old threads the last few days, but nearly all are looking for the perfect race boat, not much on the perfect recreation boat...
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