Making the jump from my H16 to a 17...advice!

I have sailed waves through 16'6 my whole life. To me the 16 can be a beast, i mean that is best possible way, but once it hits 15 knots i need crew. Unfortunately as i get older, 45 this year, finding crew gets more difficult. I end up soloing 95% of the time. The 17 has always been on the radar as a great solo boat. I have read all the comments about it being a weaker lighter constructed boat and not to over stress the boat. I am not sure whether to pick up a 17 or 17 sport. is it still easy to solo handle the boat with a jib in 15-20 knots or since i like to go out when there is wind should I just get the SE....advice from your experiences please.

I also love the idea of trapping on wings....I want to fly!

Thanks,
Todd

I think the jib is a huge bonus on the H17 so highly recommend getting one.
I would say you must try a H17 especially being out on trap off the wings but do so with your H16 still in the garage. I too solo my H16 95% of the time and absolutely love it! I found the H17 to me didn't have the same responsive feel as the H16. And even on those light wind days where your almost necking the H16 for all its worth the H17 just doesn't do it.
Who knows your experiences to come might be different.

_________________
2007 Hobie 16 - 'Slingshot'
1996 Hobie 18 - 'Onrails'
Hobie Bravo - 'Hobie Bites'

The 17 is very low to the water and its construction is not as robust as a 16. The 17 does not like waves and you will significantly reduce the life of the boat by blasting through them all the time (even though it's fun).

That being said, the 17 is a heavy air machine. It will still be under control long after the A Class Cats and most 16s bail out, and is the fastest boat upwind in anything over 20 kts. It just needs to be reasonably flat water.

But because it's underpowered, it's a dog in light air. That's when the jib would help. Otherwise, I'd sail it with just the main.

I own several Hobies from the Bravo to an 18 Magnum. My wife says I need an intervention. "Hi my name is Barry and I have a Hobie problem." That being said, my 17 Sport is hands down my favorite! First, I'm too heavy for it. (240lbs) if I sit aft of the rear cross bar for too long I can cause her to flip over backwards. No, she is not fast in light air but she does sail well. The heavier the wind gets the more she shines. At my weight it never seems to get out of control. The harder the wind blows the harder I can drive her. Not only is the jib not a problem for one person I consider it essential. Tacking is much better with the jib. I am 55 years old and have a couple of Sons. They always sailed with me and still come down to race the 18 sometimes. Great fun! BUT, now that they are grown, I sail by myself 90% of the time. The 17 sport is my favorite toy. It always was. You will hear detractors saying it can't carry weight.....as stated I'm heavy, my wife is normal size, and when my youngest son was in High School at 130lbs we all did day sails together on the 17. You will read about crossbars and thin hulls. Get a long Allen wrench and keep the hull bolts tight. I have had my 17 sport for years have had no wing or socket problems. The spring loaded dagger boards are great. One of the areas I would recommend you look for is one with a decent main sail. I could go on and on but, as you can tell I love the 17. For an older guy single handing it is a really hard boat to beat. Oh yea, did I mention at it's weight I can drag it down the beach on cat trax by myself. Just another plus. Good luck and good sailing.

I was very much in your same situation. Sailed a H16 20 years mostly solo then got a H17Sport in 2002 and would never go back. I like to sail winds in mid-teens to lower 20s and have gone over 20 mph several times, but it does take a toll on the boat (I replace front crossbeams every other year), but I love to sail the boat (sailed over 1000 miles last year averaging over 7 mph). My advice is to get the boat, sail it hard, but don't bash waves and as you get older you'll grow to LOVE the wings as us 62 year olds do.

Thanks guys...EXACTLY what i was looking to hear. H17 Sport it is.....anyone interested in a really nice '81 H16....its now up for sale going into the H17 fund!!