Perhaps the group can give me some advice on the question: Hobie Wave or Nacra 450?

I’m trying to decide between a new Wave and a used Nacra 450 in excellent condition. Both are from dealers (not the same one). The price would be approximately the same; I would get the jib on the Wave.

In a few weeks I’ll be 48, married, no kids. I’d call myself an intermediate sailor with experience with a Buccaneer 18 and Laser. We sail on Galveston Bay out of Seabrook Sailing Club. I also recently sailed a Wave when we vacationed in the Caribbean this winter. We just sold the Buccaneer (still have the Laser) because it didn’t fit our club (often too shallow water to launch) and because I never felt my wife was really comfortable handling the crew duties on the Bucc. When we sailed the Wave in January she seemed quite comfortable. I liked it too but if I had much more experience with it I wonder if I would find it not at all challenging. On the other hand, the Nacra 450, which seems to be a very impressive boat, might be outside of my wife’s comfort zone. The Nacra would be better for simple cruising with four people but that may be a small proportion of the sailing.

So, what do you folks think? Should I get the simpler boat and keep the Laser for a challenge or should I go for the more high-performance boat? (If we turned out to be comfortable with the Nacra we could get rid of the Laser). Am I failing to consider any important points?

Thanks

-Pete

Hmmmm,I've got the popcorn, and a drink, feet propped up on the ottoman, this could be an interesting show.

Synopsis:

Hobie - great kick around boat easy to rig fun to sail. Speed is relative.
Nacra - faster depending on ability, still, speed is relative to what you might be used to.

Of course the die hards here will give you all kinds of speed equations, planing or not, traveling to races (I know you don't race but they won't hear of it) and eventually someone will try to convert you to the dark side... F16!!!!

I say you'll have fun with either one. If you think your wife will be more comfortable on the Wave then go for it. You'll get more time on the water. If she doesn't like it... its just a yard ornament. Make your wife happy you can always move up.

Popcorn is done, on with the show!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Clayton
Nacra 5.2
Stiletto 27

oh come on, that's not popcorn worthy... oh wait, there was the F16 comment. dude you're dead!

The Nacra 450 is a little small for two adults - it's really more of a kid's boat. I think the Wave is probably the better choice - a great boat for fooling around with and easier to sell if you later want something more exciting.

The nacra 450 - 14'-10" long and has an 8' beam
The hobie wave is 13' long and has a 7' beam

seams to me two adults would do better on the nacra
but hey what do I know

The point about resale makes really good sense but as I was standing next to the 450 yesterday, I sure didn't get the feeling of a kid's boat. The 450 is longer and wider than the wave. (and maybe also carries more sail).

I LOLED! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

By the same logic, if you can safely sail with 4 people on a Wave, you should be fine with 6 people on an A-Cat - after all, A Cats are 18' x 7.5', while Waves are only 13' x 7'.

Yeah, first you are talking in terms of "I", and then you are talking in terms of "we." Which is it? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Mary,

Please excuse my sloppy writing. "I" am doing the work of shopping and buying but it is in anticipation of "us" sailing together most of the time.

Well, you are begging the question. Are you looking for a boat for you or a boat for both of you?

Pete,

Bottom line is both are good boats
Hobie is the smaller of the two and will suit you fine,
but as you learn you'll want a little more performance
So if the nacra is available at about the same price
get it. you won't be disappointed.

that's just my opinion

Good Luck

Gordon

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="" />