14 vs 14 turbo

I have a 14 (no turbo) and see all sorts of talk about the turbo's. Ive never seen a turbo sail.

Overall, I think the boat goes fast enough that it is getting into the range where the better L/D of the single sail is about on par with the higher Lift (and higher drag) of adding the jib. Better L/D becomes more important the faster you go since lift is always limited by the boat heeling over but drag goes up with the square of aparant wind speed.

So Im guessing that the diferences would be:

Overall peak top speed of each boat about the same?

Turbo is faster in light air

Non turbo has a overall higher controllable wind range

Turbo tacks a little better

So Ive left my 14 alone because I like the range and simplicity and Im not sure Id gain any peak speed (which is where the boat is really fun for me). Is this about correct? If I decide I want the jib, Ill probably just pick up a 16 and keep the 14 just as is.

The Turbo adds a couple of things, some good and some bad. I just gave up sailing my 14 turbo. I have sailed it with the jib and without, I must say that it is noticably faster with the jib, but it is more complicated and it has more tendency to pitchpoll.

I think if you enjoy sailing your 14 the way it is then don't worry about it, but the turbo upgrade does allow you to trapeze!

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Trapezing is class legal on the non-turbo version, too.

Just make sure you have a dolphin striker installed to take the extra load on the front crossbar.

That was what I meant, you need the dolphin striker to trapeze, I didn't realize that the non turbos had them!

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

All the 14s have them since 1982.

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