Hobie 14 or Wave in 20-25 knots?

Hi everybody, I used to sail a Hobie 16 but am now looking for a boat to sail solo around Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. My question is: would you recommend a Hobie 14 or a Wave in the kind of weather we get: although highly variable, it's not uncommon to get 20-25 knots, and wind waves can be up to 2m or occasionally more (see http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/~awatkins/bay.html).

The Hobie 14 sounds like more fun and faster than the Wave (and also more like the 16, which was awesome), but with its smaller sail area and heavier hulls, is the Wave a better choice for these conditions? I'm thinking of a Hobie 14 turbo with a trap.

I know the H14 is faster and more exciting, but what I'm really asking is, will I spend most of my time swimming?

Thanks everyone!

stuart

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stuart
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2011 Hobie Wave with jib kit & mainsheet traveller

Initially, you might spend more of your time swimming with the 14, but ultimately it'll be a lot more challenging and fun. There's a bit of a learning curve.

The Wave will be a blast, too - but the challenge is not that great.

neither is a good idea in that much wind. H14 is a notorious handful in big wind and the chances of pitchpoling are pretty much 100%. I doubt the Wave is substantially better. Really, that much wind is the edge of a beach cat performance envelope. Just my opinion. If you're up for it, go for it, but have some help on shore to pick up the pieces.

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

either boat in that wind and waves will be a real handful.

otherwise, boat for boat, the wave is fun and friendly, the 14 (or 14 turbo) is faster, points better, and is a more challenging boat (weight sensitive, narrow hulls, keep you on your toes to keep the bows on the top side of the water)....

You said you sailed a 16...the 14 is a baby 16.

Thanks for your replies everyone. Sounds like I'm better off with the 14, and that I should be prepared to do a lot of swimming!

stuart

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stuart
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2011 Hobie Wave with jib kit & mainsheet traveller

Was out in a good blow on my 14 turbo a few weeks ago with two hobie waves with experienced drivers.
I had a jib, they didn't.
I could trap out, they couldn't.
All in all, around the course...
I damn near lapped them.

But the little hulls on the 14 are squirrely and you MUST keep focused... the second you don't... well the wave is a lot more forgiving.

Cheers.

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with those saying that a Wave is a problem in 20-25 knots. I normally sail a Hobie 17 with a spinnaker and to me a Wave is a slug EXCEPT it is a lot of fun in winds over 20. AND you can actually carry a passenger.

Yep I looked into this a bit more and it seems that the Wave is great in a bit of wind, see for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdpvWt8SJv4&NR=1.

Thanks again to everyone who commented, I've bitten the bullet and purchased a demo model Wave with a jib and mainsheet traveller, picking it up in about a week. Can't wait!!

stuart

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stuart
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2011 Hobie Wave with jib kit & mainsheet traveller

Consider a H17Sport if you can find one. It is a great high wind solo boat.