I'm thinking about getting a small, used sailboat for the kiddo and I to tinker with and came across Hobie's Wave model. I like that the setup and takedown is much faster than the traditional Hobie Cat, as well as the more durable hull.

Anyone have one of these that can offer some input? I see several of the older fiberglass boats for sale used but none of this model anywhere nearby.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tigereye313,

I used one on a resort in the T&C.

They are relatively easy to sail but can flip over if you're not paying attention. They can accommodate 2 people easily so you can accompany him if you want to.

I would stay away from any rotomolded Hobie product. We have one of their Kayaks equipped with the mirage pedal drive and rigged for sailing (so, not cheap). They have a reputation for cracking particularly in important load bearing areas, and their customer service response is apparently abysmal. Ours has been repaired in two areas so far, and I don't expect the issue to abate. If I wanted a Cat, I'd stick to the 14, or preferably the 16 (I like a jib because Cats don't sail into the wind particularly well, and the size for a dryer ride). Rigging's not that big a deal once you get used to it. A Laser would be a great option for a monohull.

My son has worked at a family summer camp and they have about a dozen of the Hobie getaway Roto molded kayaks. They take a lot of abuse and seem to hold up very well. I think you do pay a premium for Hobie stuff, but my experience is they do a good job with their warranty and support.

If that doesn't work out I would suggest a used Sunfish...they can be had very cheap and the lateen rig is simple.

A sportier option would be the laser....quicker and more fun, just not as forgiving

I owned a Hobie. Then I smartened up and found a used Laser. Fast setup, fast boat. Buy one of these and don’t look back.

Hobies are fast but quirky and if you do turtle it absolutely no fun trying to get back sailing.

I learned to sail on a Hobie 14, and have also sailed Sunfish, Sailfish, Beetle Cat, 420, Blue Jay, Laser, Force 5, and a host of other small boats.

Cats are fun, but difficult to learn in, as they really don't come about well, and learning to handle their particular steering characteristics is "different" from a monohull. On the other hand, they are stable, fast, simple, and fairly forgiving. They are better on bigger, more open lakes or oceans (ocean in my case) where their handling is less of an issue, and you have long straight passages where you can open them up. For more enclosed waters, monohull is definitely better.

So, a few questions...
1. Fresh water, or salt, and if fresh, how big is the area?
2. How old and heavy is the kiddo, and how strongly does kiddo swim?
3. Do you want to always go along, or let the kiddo solo?
4. What are your wind and wave conditions?
5. Does anyone in the family know how to sail?
6. Will the boat be trailered, cartopped, trucked, or stored at the location?
7. Do you want a "starter" boat and a "better" boat if this is something that is fun?
8. How many people are in the boat, Kiddo, you and Kiddo, you, wife and Kiddo...

Without more, I'm tempted to say start with a Sunfish, which will comfortably carry 2 people, so long as no one is huge, and then graduate if a faster, drier boat is preferred.

Another good option is the Laser/Force 5, which are visually similar, but modestly different in hull form, or go straight to the Hobie 14 or 16.

The 16 is a rocket ship, and will keep 2 or three people really going if you have a good, steady wind. I've paced a 16 at over 20 kts in a power boat before...

The one problem with cats that you should be aware of, is that if you flip one, they can be difficult to near impossible for a single person, particularly a lightweight one, to right. For speed, however, cats are about as much fun as there is to be had on the water.

Not familiar with the model mentioned in the OP. I had a Hobie 14 and could solo it, but as mentioned, I had to be careful about turning it over. If it went full turtle (mast straight down) it was a bear to get back and impossible if I was sailing solo.

Something some sailors did was take a gallon milk jug, empty and capped, and tie it to the top of the mast. If the boat went over it only went half way. This was MUCH easier to right after spilling.

For learning, I would get a Sunfish. Carrying one or two. Fun, wet, easy to sail and just as easy to right after spilling. Also small and easy to store off season (which will be most of its life).

Check out Hobie's tandem adventure island.

Ok. Laser or Force 5. Faster, more capable and better in light air than a Sunfish. Easier to handle, easier to set up and lighter than a cat. Cats will sail in light air of course but they come alive when things get interesting.

Graduate to Hobie 16 or 18 when he's ready to fly.

ArtieS, you've got email if you've got a second.

Thanks everyone for all the input!

Answered!

Lake Woodlands or Lake Conroe? Can't imagine a tiny sailboat on Conroe with how choppy most of the lake typically is.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Lake Woodlands or Lake Conroe? Can't imagine a tiny sailboat on Conroe with how choppy most of the lake typically is.

Lake Woodlands at first for sure!

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Lake Woodlands or Lake Conroe? Can't imagine a tiny sailboat on Conroe with how choppy most of the lake typically is.

Lake Woodlands at first for sure!

Nice still waters there. I remember getting beat up in a 26ft Cobalt on a choppy day on Conroe.
Definitely see the occasional Hobie out there, though.