Im pondering what size of hobie to buy. At this point it would be used primarily for recreation by a family of four. I have read about the getaway and kind of taking a liking to it, It can seat four adults comfortably, I do like the idea of the wing seats, for the inexpierenced it would be a comfort. However, I would like somthing longer than 16'7" becouse of the "Pole vaulting" issue. How bad is this pitchpole issue anyway? Im hoping that I can get some feed on what kind of craft I should consider getting. I have sailed small monohulls, and am an avid windsurfer. thanks for any suggestions.

My H16 looks like it is going to sink if there is more than two adults on it. If you push any sailboat hard downwind it can, and will pitchpole. I've seen pictures of 40ft mono hulls burrying the nose when they're over canvased. If you're squeemish in high winds don't go out. But once you do you'll be addicted, and bored with light air.

I agree ... a Hobie 16 with 4 people on it is a pain! It is not only a weight issue, but you just do not know where to keep all those useless people. Seriously they will be in your way.
The Getaway... "I have read about the getaway and kind of taking a liking to it, It can seat four adults comfortably, ..." Not really, non of the beach cats has much to offer when it comes to comfort. Again the Getaway is designed to be sailed by two people - In wind (>15 m) two extra people are just hindering. If it is comfort your are looking for, look for a mono hull >25 feet.

Hobie 18 and Getaway have a reduced pitch pole tendency compared to a Hobie 16. This is mostely due to the hull volume vs. sail area ratio. The 16 carries a lot of sail on skinny hulls.

You might also want to have a look at Prindel 18 (2) and some of the Nacra's - they might do better in the pitch pole categorie - but again more performance - less comfort.

Patrick

Here is my concern, If I went for the Getaway that I would be dispointed in the performance in higher winds 25-30m, as compared to a nacra 570 or hobie fx one. keep in mind I have not sailed a cat before, so this is kind of new to me. The reason for chosing the getaway is, for the family. Two girls 8 and 10, I would like to teach them to sail, and in light breezes this would be a blast, I think. Another question on the boomless sails, do they hinder the crafts performance? any thoughts? thanks again.

If you are talking about 4 people being you, your wife and 2 children, the H-16 should be fine. The H-18 is more for racing and has more adjustments plus dagger boards. I believe the H-16 trampoline has more room than the 18 since the 18 dagger boards are on either side and the jib cleats are mounted back into the tramp on the front. The 16 hulls are smaller and so it is necessary to keep weight evenly distributed. I have been sailing my H-16 for 20 years and am totally satisfied.

Howard

I would get the getaway and then in a few years if you want to get into racing or just faster sailing then a Nacra 570.

We just sold our TheMightyHobie18 but here goes, what a wonderful boat for four adults. I don't think the daggerboards pose a problem at all for just cruising or entertaining, just have to be aware of your draft and makes a guest feel "part of the action" to ask them to pull them up when coming ashore. The boat rides lower compared to the 16 with it's elevated tramp so if you have a mesh tramp you're going to get wet. The wings are a definite plus for cruising, as they in affect make the whole 8 foot width of the boat usable as you can lean back against them without feeling like you're going overboard, not to mention sitting or laying on them. Add the roller furling jib as another plus. The sail plan is powerful enough to move a heavy load along at an exciting pace. The Getaway is slower than a H16, load it up with four people and I think you'll be looking for another boat sooner than you'd want to. The TheMightyHobie18 can be found at a relatively inexpensive cost and although it has more "racing" bells and whistles than the H16 they all don't need constant attention for just pleasure sailing. You can just set it and forget it.

Why did we sell our 18? Not many around here racing (all on 20's) and my son/s enjoy racing. My wife almost cried, she loved that boat. I told her we can get another 18 when the kids get married and don't want to race any longer.

Boomless main sails... It is kind of a trade of - ease of use for performance. For not having to watch how one of your daughters gets smacked in the head you will loose some trim options / outhaul. I think that cats with their wide rear mounted traveler systems can handle boomless sails quiet ok. A loose footed main with some lightweight boom like setup for outhaul control and trim is a nice compromise.

The 25 to 30 m days... There will be few. During the few I get I am not at all worried about the performance of my outdated Hobie. I am mostly worried about staying upright and getting my next tack sorted out. I would not recommend to take your kids (especially considering their training level) sailing on those days. This is more one of those days where you call one of your sailing buddies.

FX one... that would be a bad choice for you (family and so) Actually since I am thinking about it, buy one, get real frustrated with it and sell it to me next spring for cheap!

Nacra 570 ... I think this is much more family friendly. I would keep this one in mind if you have the $$$ for it.

One other thing to consider is what it takes to righten a cat after a capsize. The 16 foot boats can typically be righten by one adult and the proper technique. This might not be possible for most of the 18 foot cats.

Patrick

If you are looking for a family cruiser that will be very durable and will also work when your kids get older the Getaway is a nice compromise boat. You can still fly a hull and single trap. The plastic hulls are virtually mainenece free. There is quite a bit of room and more paylod than other beach cats. The hulls have more volume to accommodate the extra load. You can fit 4 adults on it comfortably.

That said, what kind of sailing will you be doing most of the time? Will it be the whole family or you and one or both of your children?

If it is not going to be all 4 of you, the H16 will be a great boat for a long time. It is simple, yet can be challenging. You have plenty of perfomance. It can easily be sailed solo or by your children. It is light enough to be dragged around the beach by one good sized person.

The TheMightyHobie18 is not a bad choice, but it is a heavier boat than the H16 and can be very cumbersome. Plus you have the added complexity of the dagger boards. Not a bad thing, just one more thing to remember when coming into the beach.

Then there is the price issue. The Getatway: multiple thousands of dollars. The H16 can be had for less than $1000 on a trailer ready to sail. The TheMightyHobie18 for about $1500 on a trailer ready to sail.

I would reccommend getting a ride on each of the models you are interested in. This way you can see what will work for you.