Hobie Cat Forums

I'm consiering a 17 (SE or Sport) or a Wave. I am an experienced sailor but have never owned a Cat. I would be sailing with my 15yo daughter who is only just now being bitten but is wanting to go agro right out of the gate. The two boats are quite different it seems, from construction (hull material) to sailing charectaristics. 17 certainly seems to be a straight out performer versus a more laid back Wave. But the 17's are also older at this point and finding one in great condition could prove difficult and I'm not really wanting someone elses castaway.

I'm interested in knowing some opinions please from the experienced vets on this forum. Re a 17 for example, I know to be careful the hulls aren't damaged where the sit on the trailer as well as being sure the CB casings aren't cracked (any tips for checking the CB casings?).

I would occasionally find myself sailing alone as well but from what I have read either boat would be fine for that. Thanks in advance.

The 17 SE is a singlehanded boat. The Sport version eliminates the boom and adds a jib, but it doesn't obviate the fact that the boat performs best with less than 180 lbs of crew on board.

The 17 rides very low to the water and is not a very comfortable ride unless you're on the wing, either sitting or trapezing.

Don't get me wrong - I think the 17 is the best boat Hobie's ever built - but it's really made for only one person.

The Wave is a great boat - indestructible and capable of carrying multiple people. It's only detraction is that it's slow compared to other catamarans.

You might want to look at a 16. They are a lot more common than either the 17 or the Wave. They're built for 2 people but easily single handed.

+1

How important is speed for you? Convenience?

There are a lot of threads on this topic. You can use the search feature.

Also, check what is available near you. Wave will be newer, so less to fix. H17/16 will cost you less, but may need some work.

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H17

If you are experienced, the 16 is more versatile for a lot of reasons. It can carry load and it can fly and it has a lot more parts options because it has been around long time and so many people sail them.

The Wave is light, easy to use, and can carry the weight. It is slow in light winds, but a blast in bigger. If I lived in an area of consistent 10 mph winds during sailing season, it's the Wave. Check out Creative's video and mtmilan's surf photos on the Wave forum.

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Wave
FX-1
Do you want me to tell you for the 1,000,001 time! The Wave...

Thanks for the replies and opinions. I have myself been partial to the 17 over the years for its lines and style but am surprised to hear its a bit of a sinker. I would have thought the 16 would have earned top spot for that charectaristic. The Asy hulls just don't look to have the buoyancy. I'm thinking a little bit as well about the 18 but appreciate that it's probably not a single handers boat. I saw a virtually new 18 that was reported to be in amazing condition and tried to work a trade for my ski boat into a deal but the seller needed cash instead I guess. But had he agreed to that I could already be an 18 owner.

I single hand my 18 80% of the time.

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277

Jmecky good to hear. I am 175lbs how about you? What sort of wind conditions when you solo the 18' ?

I'm about 175ish and have had a lot of fun soloing my 18 up to 10-12MPH. I'd guess 15 would be the upper limit where you're totally de-powering and its not much fun any more.

I sail on an inland lake, so waves aren't a problem - its the surprise gusts that sometimes get me.

The real issue is when things go awry. Solo righting is very difficult (nearly impossible) unless conditions are just right. I would be hesitant to sail without a righting-bar, bucket, or quick access outside assistance.

Limit for you would probably be consistency of the wind and your level of experience.

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Jeff R
'88 H18 "Jolly Mon"
Sail Michigan's Great Lakes in 2013
cramsailing.com

Im 220lbs and I love going out alone in a stiff breeze. Probally 5 times a year I get that steady 15-20 mph breeze, and eat it up solo. Rarely I can find someone who isn't scared to get out on that trap with me or even on the boat on windy days.

Ill travel out about 6 inches to compensate for all the wind. Solo is nice because you stay drier, and its easier to keep the windward hull up out of the water. Because of that I can lower my trap position so I am level with the deck, and sheet in to prevent a dunk. The other trap is set higher incase I want to be higher.

On windy days I don't go out to the ocean, I just stay in the bays. I want my 18 to last forever.

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277