I'm trying to decide between the Nacra 570 and the Hobie Getaway. I know the Nacra has more sail, can go faster, and supports a double trap. The Hobie is smaller, but has a lot more trap area (forward trap also), you can add wings, but it is only suppose to trap 1 person. I think I could probably put more people comfortably on the Hobie, but then it would be very slow. I want a recreational cat that I can put a few people on, and still fly a hull and have fun on. Anyone else have any thoughts on the subject? Is it fairly easy to fly a hull with 2 or 3 people on the Hobie?
Thanks for the feedback.

It seams to me that these two boats are built with two completely different audiences in mind, so its really gonna end up being your preference. This might seem unhelpfull, but there is a little war going on the a current thread on nacra5.2 versu hobie16, and I'm trying to prevent that here. I think you have the main differences down. I can see that forward tramp commi ng in handy for refreshments, and bikini girls in the sun! ;-)

I saw that other discussion, and found it quite amusing. I'm not trying to start that. Just want to know if anyone else has compared these two. I think the 570 and the Getaway are very similar from the recreational point of view. The 570 is daggerboardless, sits up high, and is boomless. I had a Nacra 5.2 and it was great. I just want something more recreational, that I could put friends on, and still have fun on.

If you don't buy the 570, I'd like to look at it and may buy it for a rec boat. I loved my 5.0 and always wanted the "big sister."

You are in luck... The guy in the beach slip next to me has been sailing a Nacra 5.7 for 6 years, and my father has been sailing a Hobie Getaway since 2001. So I have first hand knowledge of both.

Nacra 5.7 - The 5.0 and 5.7 are Nacra's take on a "fun" beachcat. Don't let the boardless / boomless design fool you. This 19ft'er has plenty of sail area to chase down any boat. going to wind. It can be a bear single-handed over 10mph. The deck is big and uncluttered. Really, I think it is the ideal beachcat for fun.

Hobie Getaway - Excellent boat for a guy that likes to single-hand and take 4-5 people out. With wings it is very manageable and comfortable. The big draw back is also what makes the boat so manageable: SAIL AREA... there isn't much for it's size. That being said, it is still not slow at all. Single-handed it is as fast as an H16.


Both boats are heavy (400+lb.). The faster of the two hands down in the 5.7. Comfort, it's the Getaway. Build quality, Nacra 5.7. BIG NOTE: DO NOT BUY 2001 GETAWAYS. Hobie has some real issues with the curing process of the roto-moded hulls, two-piece masts and original hull coolers. Buy a newer model if you go with a Getaway.

PS - The 5.2 is a great boat, but it is not for more than 2 people. I have a 5.2 and I'd rather have a 5.7 personally.

Thanks for the info, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. It'll probably be a few months before I do anything. I wonder if I could add a spinnaker to the Getaway, and then it would be a little faster. The forward tramp could be tricky, but I'm sure it could be done.

Really the forward tramp is only good for when the boat is on the beach or putting small kids up there.

You put any kind of adult weight out there and the bows will be pretty low.

What is the difference between a Nacra 5.7 and a Nacra 570? I think they are different somehow, but I don't know HOW.

I have to disagree with this. The hulls are very buoyant for a boat this size. I think if most cats had a front tramp and you put two adults at the very front it would ride low.

I have no experience with the Nacra.


Another thing that might help you make up your mind is the availability of a dealer close by. Is there one of either brand near by?

If the difference is the same as the difference between a 5.O and a 500, it's not much. The 500 has a squaretop main of slightly larger area than the 5.O, compensating for the slightly smaller jib which sheets to tracks in the main beam rather than farther aft. The hulls are identical.

The weight is almost the same in fact the Getaway seems to weigh slightly more (but it's only 16ft and the 570 is an 18'). I've seen a 570 with a front tramp and it was massive! But still for me I'd rather not have the tramp (or have one that can be removed quickly when not in use) as it hinders the view of your leeward hull.
Best regards!

I have a 2006 Getaway and love it. Yes the Nacra does out proform the getaway hands down but you can order a asymetrical spinnaker from hobie for the Getaway that makes it one hell of a ride off the wind. and being able to furl the jib as I want to to while the spinnaker is up make for an even better adjustment with the sails.
Now as far as the forward tramps not being able to be used underway, this is BS. I have had 3 good size adults on the wings and main tramp and 1 adult and 13 year old on the forward tramp under way with no problem what-so-ever, even flying the spinnaker. With just me and my son sailing we have beat many Hobie 16' using the spinnaker and the jib.
I am thinking of having my sailmaker make me a 115% genny for the Getaway (it will still be roller furling)so I don't need the spinnaker at all.
Not trying to create any problems here, I just have the boat and understand jhudson delemas.
Cheers

I could put a ballerina on the bow of an F18 if I had two elephants hanging off the stern :P

No, the boat would sink.

There are both boats on our beach, SHBCC Fleet 250. Although I have not sailed either I do see them sailed frequently. The 570 does have the optional wings and often sailes 3 or 4 up. His boat speed is frequently quite credable. The Getaway normally sails with a couple & their 3 children but never seems to have much boat speed. I can't vouch for the largest variable, the skipper, however.

Bob Fraser4
H20 818