Dude, You just contradicted yourself. How can you describe a boat using these three phrases in one sentence: beer coolers, abuse resistant, and inferior.
You can't. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Have you ever sailed a Getaway with a bunch of ecstatic kids on board? I've had myself and 6 kids on board. Have you ever sailed one at all?

I'll go on the record and say the Getaway is a great family boat. Ive had one for almost 6 years and have a great time on it. I've had that boat out in Santa Cruz in almost every swell condition and up to 30 kts, it's a great beginning boat. You won't easily get overpowered and maintenance is virtually non existent. Let the kids drive and ram the dock, no problem.

The Getaway rides much higher in the water than the Wave. With me and 2 passengers onboard the wave crossbars will hit if there is any significant chop. The main difference is carrying capacity, and conditions you'll be sailing in. The Wave doesn't do very well here in Santa Cruz, because we have pretty big water.