Hobie 16 vs 17

I long.

Jeez my 16 doesn't have a problem pitchpolling, sails real nice.

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Bodhisatfa

I sailed a 1979 H16 for 20 years before getting a 2000 H17Sport. I solo ~ 90% of the time, mostly in good to higher winds (10 - 30 knots). The H17Sport is by far the better solo boat. It is faster, and can be driven much harder than the 16, especially in a blow. The wings are to die for, you can get your weight way out or use them as a back rest - sweet. The only down side is if you like to fly-hi the wings dig in and slow the boat way down. I like the sport over the SE for the jib (the boomlet is also nice if you have a passanger - easier for them to get back and forth across the tramp). In light winds the jib keeps you form becomming a statue and on a broad reach in a blow it really adds boat speed. If it is blowing too hard, just furl it. RIGHTING: With the H16 I almost always had to use a righting bucket to recover from a capsize even though I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs. I can usually right the H17Sport without aid, but keep the righting bucket lashed under the tramp for those occasions where the extra lift is needed (e.g., to keep from getting too tired from leaning out for a long time, at 57 years old I tire quicker than I use to - go figure). Cattrax - GET THEM - it will save your back and hulls. Hope this helps.

shortly.

Whipper snappers !!!

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Happy Sailing,

David

MRW,

I don't mean to hi jack the thread but I've heard of sit n sail for the 16 but never actually seen them in person or gotten first hand feedback from anyone. Would you please PM or post pictures or you opinion on how well they work, ease of use, install? Thank you.

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'95 H16 sail #101148
'89 H18 SX/ sail #1053 w/ Yellow hulls

The 17 has more hull volume than the 16, but since it doesn't have the raised trampoline platform, the crossbars have a tendency to drag when sailed with two people in heavy chop. I've sailed my 17 with two on board at about 350 lbs total. It does ok, but you can tell its really not what the boat was designed for. At 260 lbs, I think you'll be able to have good fun, but you're definitely at the top end of the performance weight range. The 17 was really designed as a single hander. Also, with the standard boom, it will be a major PITA for the crew to switch sides during a tack. There is NO room to pass under except at the very back where the skipper is. The crew will either have to wait for the skipper to go under first, or step around the front of the mast. Also, unless you have a jib, there isn't much for the crew to do (except trap out on the wing and sip a beer ).

sm

I happen to know the owners of sit-n-sail personally.

They are no longer in business but I was quite impressed with the structure of the product, if you like wings on a H16. Personally, that's not my style nor is the Hobie Bob or the "anti-pitchpole" foils !!! They are known around these parts as "training wheels!"

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Happy Sailing,

David