Maximum weight for H18

How much weight can an 18 handle? I've searched the forums and haven't come up with a good answer. I routinely put 5 people on my Getaway. I think it's rated for 1200 pounds. Accepting slower boat speeds can I put 700 to 800 lbs on the 18? Not looking to push the boat just cruise.

after going way back in this forum found an answer from Mmiller. Since the Getaway and 18 have similar hull volumes they should have similar weight capacities. I would still like to hear anyone's personal experience or comments on loading the 18 with 4 to 6 passengers.

I regularly sail my H18 with the entire family (or four) on board. Now I am the only heavy weight in the bunch at 190 pounds but I would guess that the all up weight of the four of us and food is about 650 pounds (maybe even a bit more).

As to how it sails... it is still loads of fun. We had it out in a very strong wind one day. It was a handful to handle but it was fast and fun. we flew a hull with the two teen age kids on the wing while my wife and I sat on the upwind hill with our backs against the wing. When it is must my and one other person I notice the boat is much more responsive and accelerates faster.

All in all I would not hesistate to take 4 or 5 (and maybe even 6 if they are not all my size) out on it. You will still have loads of fun.

Depends on total crew weight and the sailing conditions.

In light and flat water the cats can all handle heavier loads. When it starts getting windier, better with less and less weight... right down close to the minimum racing weight, about 300 lbs for an 18 in challenging conditions.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Last summer we had my 18 down at the OBX. One day was definitely blowing 20 to 25. We had an absolute blast with myself and two other guys on the boat, all of us over 200lb. Two on the wire and me hiking as far back as possilbe. The boat is not as responsive, more like an out of control freight train. The same day was myself and my 6'5" 260lb sasquach friend blasting double trapped with the jib rolled up.

sm

I'm sure the Hobie 18 can handle more but I believe I've seeit published at 800 lbs max load. In the Hobie "Sailing Collection" http://www.hobiecat.com/media/pdf/Hobie_Sailing.pdf
Hobie lists the HC-16, the Tiger and the Miricle 20 (and even the Wave) at Max Load 800 lbs Crew 1-4. Only the Gatewayis listed higher at Max Load 1000 lbs Crew 1-5. (Hobie 18 is not listed. )

_________________
John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

Thanks everyone for such quick and informative replies. I'm going to pick up the 18SX this weekend. I found it buried in a pile of leaves in the jungle but it looks beautiful underneath the mulch. I'm looking for durable, inexpensive sails if anyone has some? Otherwise I know all the sail makers, probably go with Whirlwind.