general question about Hobie products

There doesn't seem to be a lot of activity at the Hobie 14 forum so I thought I would post a question here thinking a lot of old timers started with 14s. Was the 14 Turbo an original Hobie product or was it an aftermarket add-on kit to a stock H14...or both? I'm going to look at one today and, if both, how do I tell a stock boat from an add-on kit? Any weaknesses? I usually sail with crew but wanted something to play with during the week that I can solo right when no one else is around.

Originally, there was just the basic Hobie 14. Fairly early on, aftermarket sail companies made jib kits for the 14. Eventually (early '80s ?), Hobie decided there was a market for a souped up 14 and developed their own Hobie 14 "Turbo". From that point forward, the 14 was available stock from Hobie as either a standard Hobie 14 or a Hobie 14 Turbo. Hobie also sold kits that would allow a Hobie 14 owner to convert his boat into a Turbo.

A stock Hobie 14 Turbo will have a Hobie roller furling jib (identified by the sewn on Hobie patch near the tack and also the Hobie OEM roller furler system). The jib sheet blocks will be connected to the boat through grommets in the trampoline to a cable strung under the trampoline (some aftermarket kits had the jib sheet to the front crossbar like the Hobie 16). There will be a single trapeze system. And last, there will be the OEM dolphin striker on the front crossbar (composed of a solid dolphin striker post and rod, not a cable system). Last, some (but not all) had the word "Turbo" on the hull at the transom. These are the components that would make up a stock, from the factory Hobie 14 Turbo, or one that had been completely converted to stock.

The most important thing to look for on a Turbo would probably be the dolphin striker. If it has a trapeze, it had better have a dolphin striker. Also, check for soft spots on the deck forward of the pylons - although that goes for any Hobie 14.

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Thanks much. Just so I understand completely....I'm looking for the solid rod dolphin striker (similar to the H16) as the correct Hobie 14 Turbo and not the cable system. Is that accurate? If I'm going to load the mast by trapping out then I take it I'm really going to want that solid rod?

Well, your question was about what the "stock" equipment was. For the dolphin striker, the stock system would have been the solid stainless steel rod and post, similar to the Hobie 16. However, Hobie also offered a retro-fit dolphin striker with a riveted on cast aluminum post and a cable rather than a rod. This system was sold through the Hobie catalog, so it should be structurally OK, but it just technically wouldn't have been "stock".

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That information was very timely. The boat I looked at yesterday turned out to be a genuine factory turbo advertised as "ready to sail". It was a POS though; fully rigged and left in the weather for several years. The mast was bent and everything on it was seized. Pitiful. I walked away. I took a second look at a boat I had seen earlier in the week. It was a backfit turbo with the cable striker. I'm sure the backfit boats are good enough for heavy air...just wondering if they are strong enough for my heavy ass. The search goes on.

Just one thought. My feeling is the 14 is kind of small if you usually sail with a crew. A 16 might suit you better. The 16 is also a very managable boat when sailing solo. I don't know how much you and your crew weigh, but you might want to consider a 16. A nice one will be easier to find also. Jim.

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1989 HOBIE 18 SE/sx wings
HOBIE ALTER SIGNATURE MODEL

I have a 16. Read original post. I want to sail alone and solo right.

Could be me but, I read original post as talking about a Hobie 14 turbo.

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ADDICTION
1989 HOBIE 18 SE/sx wings
HOBIE ALTER SIGNATURE MODEL

Yeah, you must have a twin. Hobie 911 changed the subject to Hobie 16s only two posts ago.