Good Question. I have owned a H16, Bravo, (both sold), and now a Wave and the (2)Adventure Islands. No one boat does it all. I loved the Bravo. Super easy to set-up and reefing main was great. I didn't even need a boat ramp for the Bravo, no waiting at the ramp for the fishermen to come and go... just get close and slide it in.
I think the choice has a lot to do with where you sail, and why you sail. In a light breeze the Wave is like sailing a couch - super stable, easy to find the groove, not lots to do but enjoy the scenery. In a bit more wind - the Bravo was like riding a bucking bronco, shifting your body weight made ALL the difference - a more active afternoon.
With two people - I definitely prefer the Wave. And of course, we've had 3 people and our labrador on the Wave and all were happy. I sailed the Bravo with two - but not more than an hour - and it did slow down a lot in light wind. I don't think I'd own a Bravo if I planned on sailing with company most of the time, solo it is a great little boat - and yeah - probably as fast as a Wave in average conditions.
As far as the AI's go - that's a whole new equation. Great to never worry about not having enough wind to get back. When two of us go - we often take the AI's, because then we both get to be the skipper, my sailing partners get bored on the Wave with nothing to do.
Just my two bits.
_________________ '08 Hobie Wave, Hobie Adventure Islands
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