kevinbatchelor:
This is just my opinion of course, but I consider the TI to be way better than a Weta or a Windrider 17 (because of the dual mirage drives mostly). If you have ever been out 5-10 miles from launch at 5:00 in the afternoon (when the wind typically dies in Florida), you would wish you had the mirage drives, all those other boats sail well when there's is wind but don't do too well paddling with your hands (when I was younger I had a sunfish, and nobody told me you should have a paddle on board (if the wind dies (DAH
), I don't think it was a CG requirement back then), I would paddle the thing back to launch with my hands, all the time thinking ("this is stupid") so I got rid of it and got into racing hydroplanes. (true story).
There are tons of Weta's and Windriders around here, and I've sailed around both many times, I wouldn't trade either for what I have. Plus for the price you pay for them, you can buy a Saturday TI (red), a Sunday TI (yellow), and an Ivory Adventure Island for fishing with the same money. Another big factor for me is I keep my boat in my garage (restricted subdivision (no trailers allowed)), and when we travel I keep the TI on the roof of my car (because we have a camper, and the hitch is occupied), I'm just not seeing anyone with a Weta or Windrider putting them on their car roof, also the Windrider 17 is a bit of a monster at over 400 lbs (heavier than your Getaway).
I'm not trying to hack anything here, both are very nice and well built boats, every boat has a purpose, and a following, this is all just my opinion.
Bob