hobie12.7cat wrote:
the bravo just doesnt have the performance i was looking for but im thinking h16 or h17 what would you guys say?
The best thing about the Bravo is you'll actually sail it. Simple to rig, simple to right, it can handle ocean waves, and I've taken it out on Lake Ontario regularly. There isn't a lake that's too big for the Bravo. I understand what you're saying about wanting a higher performance boat. But keep in mind that if you can't right it, you won't have fun.
One thing to keep in mind, if you want higher performance, but you won't be able to sail the H16 or H17 in higher winds, (because you won't be able to right them) than what's the point? You need higher winds, for higher performance. If you can safely and consistently right the boat, you'll sail it at a high level, and have more fun.
The worst thing you can do is buy a boat, have a great day for sailing, and have to sit it out because you bought too much boat for you to handle.
I completely understand that not everyone wants a Bravo, but why not try a Wave? You can right it, you can sail it in just about every wind, it's got capacity to take friends, and if you want to move up, you've got great experience sailing a cat.
My Bravo isn't my "forever boat" it's my "for now boat" and I can sail it anytime, fly a hull, and get performance that provides a lot of fun! The Bravo might be considered a lower performance Cat, but it's about as fast as a Laser, and that's considered a higher performance dinghy.
Just things to think about. Don't buy a boat that you can't sail. That's just not fun.