weight capacities on a hobie 16

I am looking for a boat, and am considering a hobie 16. I weigh 240, my wife and kids around 130 each
for normal fun I know two of us would work, but could it handle all four, even if it is slow going?

I "think" the design weight limit is ~380. I've been out with myself, wife and two 9 yo's and while it is slower going it is not a total pig. We've been out 4+ hours like that and had a blast.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

According to the specs, 800 lbs. I've seen 600 lbs on one before (in two people) and it wasn't pretty !!!

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Happy Sailing,

David

There's optimal racing weight and there is maximum payload. The 2 are different. I don't know the optimal racing weight, but from the posts here can tell it's under 400 lbs for sure. As for the maximum payload, I'm sure it's more than the optimal racing weight, but don't know how much.

Been out last summer with 2 adults (160+230) and 3 kids (65+60+45). The boat did not sink and we would move along at a slow pace in light wind, which was ideal with 3 kids.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Check out the specs on this link:
http://www.hobiecat.com/sailboats/hobie-16/

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Happy Sailing,

David

cavi - The H16 can probably handle you and your wife okay with a combined weight of about 370 lbs, but when you add two more peope on it with another 260 lbs - that's reall pushing it. I don't think it would be that much fun to routinely sail a H16 with 4 people on that tramp with a combined weight of about 630 lbs. Your two kids will probably weigh more next year and even more the year after.
You should probably consider the Hobie Getaway with wings and a forward tramp. You'll have more room and it can easily carry more weight. You'll have more fun for years to come. Your kids can even take along a friend or two.
You don't want to purchase a boat and then regret it.
Do it right the first time!

I have had about 450 pound on my H16. It was slow but stable.

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1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John