Wave vs. A-cat

I've owned a Wave since 2001 and I'm looking for a boat that will sail better in lighter wind, which you often find on a lake. I have heard that the A-cat might sail better in a lake vs the ocean or harbor.

Being use to the Wave I wonder how much of a difference the A-cat would be? Any discussion of this would be appreciated. I don't want to buy a catamaran that would scare the heck out of me, and, if anyone knows of a light single-handed cat other than the A-cat, I'd like to hear about that too.

One last thing, when checking on the internet for prices, A-cats seem to be $7K and up, often without a trailer. Are there any A-cats, maybe older ones, that would be for sale cheaper?

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Hobie Wave 2006
Hobie Getaway 2004

VERY different animals.

I don't believe there is a limitation to the A Cat's sailing in rough and or open ocean conditions. They are... fragile as compared to the Wave. You have to handle them with care on the beach etc. They would have more issues in higher winds. They would not handle a capsize or collision like a Wave.

The good stuff...

High performance that you will not believe... as would any larger cat.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

MARCOBOWOW

I think you should add an A to your stable!

I want to learn how to ride a wheelie like Glenn!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVJJMolTe60

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Hi,

Thanks for those replies, great video, whoa. I wish there was a way I could try one out, but I've never seen one in Charleston, SC where I sail.

Matt, you said capsizing is different on an A cat. Do you mean that the boat can be damaged in a capsize? I'm not sure how I could damage my Wave, I'd have to work at it.

I wish Hobie could come out with a Super Wave, or a rotomolded single hander about 15/16 ft or so, under 200 lbs. that would look and handle similarly to the A-cat, but be tougher and of course you wouldn't go as fast. I'm over 50, and I like the comforts of the Wave, but I do wish it would go faster in all wind conditions.

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Hobie Wave 2006
Hobie Getaway 2004

Yes, a capsize is much more likely to damage the A Cat than a Wave. The Wave is a reasonably fast TRUCK... the A is a Farrari.

I agree. Would be fun to have a roto performance single hander.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Dear Matt,

Great, at least you think it's a good idea, probably cost Hobie a fortune, but I think there'd be interest.

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Hobie Wave 2006
Hobie Getaway 2004

Wave to Getaway to A cat? Kidding?

Commonalities: You can sail them both single handed... That's about it.

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Sail Revolution
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Check out the Isotope. It's made in NC. It's a lake boat and made especially for lake winds of about 5 mph.

One thing I wish is that I could have spent more time visiting sellers and sailing the boats before I bought, but no time. Would be interesting to hear of how a test run on an A cat impresses you...

I like the Wave. It has ease of setup and it's durable and Hobie has done a great job of giving the user all the right tools for use. But it is slow in light air.

I like the FX too but it is a monster on parts and complexity of setup compared to the Wave. The problem of owning the higher-end boats is that you almost automatically engage yourself in solving setup problems, in minor repair problems, and in parts purchasing on a continuing basis -- which is not for the faint-hearted, for sure.

So, all the things you ignore about the Wave because they aren't an issue; they will become issues in performance boats like the A.

The best of both worlds -- the world of simplicity of setup and durable design and the world of speed and complex setup and fragility -- is... I don't know.

...actually, it may be the H16

Hobie 17.

One of the best all-around compromises for performance, simplicity, and durability. If you always leave the rudders on and keep the rigging systems stock, you can probably have the boat fully rigged in about 20 to 25 minutes tops once you get your system down.

The 17 will annihilate the Wave in all winds. Of course it will be annihilated by an A-cat in winds up to about 20mph. After that, the A's will be on the beach and you'll be on the water lovin' life. Plus you can run a 17 up onto the beach and it won't crumble to pieces.

sm

MARCOBOWOW, I just spent 2 weeks sailing in Charleston off IOP. No body seems to sail Hobies down there any more. Entire beach was overrun by 20 year olds sailing kites. One came up beside me and blew past me while on was on my H14. Thinking of buying a Wave. How does yours do in the conditions in Charleston?