Well Thom I got a "bug" to get a new boat. Several factors came into play.

I started on the H20 and then went to sailing many other Hobie boats and ended up on a H18SX which was was to slow for me. It heave chop the SX would really but the brakes on and depower. I loved the Getaway but it again was a bit slow and you really can't play with the downhaul.

I was looking for a H20-IMHO a great all around boat for racing and rec. but could not find a used one that I wanted. I could have purchase new, but heck why lose so much equity the first year? I also ocean sail to Catalina usually 4x + times a year (30 miles each way). I wanted something that did well downwind, was stable, bouyout (did I spell the right?) and fast. Also, having a nice big tramp area is great as we sleep on the boat on the beach.

The Tornado happened to come up on ebay and did not sell at the reserve. I negotiated after the close of auction for a great price and thats how it happened. A bit of good timing and the right price. I thought if I did not like it a could sell if for a bit more and get something it did like. I made a 72 hour turn around trip to San Antonio and dropped off the H18SX to a good friend and came back with the Tornado.

I am still looking for a 98 to 2000 H20. The Tronado is fast. Took her out to Catalina a couple of weeks ago and did not have a mast rotator or decent downhaul and could not get great sail trim and still made great time. Those items were added to the boat last week but I have not been able to sail her since, but hope to soon. She did great in 15+ knots and swells 4+. I really noticed a big difference between the Fox when in heavy chop. The Tornado stayed very stable when you would hit a wave off center, the Fox did well also but the crossbars would sway a bit on waves. The Tornado and H20 are also much drier and less nosiy then the Fox in oceans swells, although the wave prercing hulls of the Fox cut the wave well.

All for now,

Connie

Connie