Which was the simpler boat again? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There's not much forum discussion about reefing sails but with your Nacra vs Wave comparison, it looks like the speed control that reefing offers might answer your question best.

You appear to want a flyer and your wife wants a controlled sail, if I read your starting post correctly.

If you reef the sail for her, she'll have the control she wants. Shake out the reef and you can fly.

However, this may be trying to get a piece of two worlds while also not getting the best of either. Or maybe it does answer your question best?

Both boats are recreational. Neither is a performance boat.

I just went through the same comparison. The Wave loads 800 pounds. The Nacra 530 or so. The Nacra does have a taller mast and more sail area.

The big clincher for me was the lack of nearby Nacra dealers. Parts is parts. Hobie seems to have a better parts setup.

Why reefing as a speed control isn't used more often I am not sure. It's a pain to stop and reef the sails? It makes the sail so much less efficient it's not worth doing? My response is that reefing the sails helps when there are moderate to moderately high wind conditions and gives you a much better chance for control -- and much greater chance of avoiding a dangerous situation. Plus on some days if you want to calmly sail, it's nice to decrease the sail area and enjoy the more moderate speed.

The size of boat is also a question that you don't mention. Both the Wave and 450 are 14' boats. They *are* easier to handle on the trailer and beach, is that why you choosing between the two? Why not a 16' or 18' for you? Give the Wave to your wife, sell the Laser and get an F18 or Hobie FX or for you. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />