Repairing Gelcoat

Yes, the 14 is no longer made in the US. and yes it is a wonderful solo boat.

I don't think the US factory ever made the 14 with the lip attachment. That side bar is pretty tough, and I haven't heard of to many of them breaking. I know that there can be a problem with corrosion around the stainless fitting that attachs to the bar, and that can create a point for the bar to fail.

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

HCE = Hobie Cat Europe. A separate company from Hobie Cat USA.

HCE still makes the 14, although it is out of production in the rest of the world. They just started making the boats with the shroud to the hull last year.

The class rules for the 16 specify a minimum weight for racing of 285#. You can carry up to 50# of dead weight (attached to the boat) to meet that minimum. There is no requirement for number of crewpersons.

Therefore, if you weigh 235#, you can race singlehanded.

A buddy of mine Ted Jagger races single handed most of the time.Ted is about 6'-4" and weight about 240.He is also a very good sailor