16' 17'or 18

As an owner of both a 17 and a 16, you will be much happier on a 16.

The 17 is really a singlehander. Unless it's the sport version, the boom is very difficult for a second person to negotiate in a tack/jibe. There's barely room for one person under it. The boat is low to the water and very wet unless you're on the wings.

Don't get me wrong, I think the 17 is the best boat Hobie's ever made - but it was made for one person.

The 16 is higher off the water, dryer, handles two people + little kids easily. It's also made to go through the surf (Lake Michigan). It's lighter than a 17 and much lighter than an 18. Light = easier to pull out of the water and up the beach at the end of the day.

Unless you're very lucky, you're going to have a tough time finding a boat with your budget in good enough shape for Lake Michigan w/o spending some significant extra $ on parts.

I'd recommend a 16, here are my reasons:

for soloing, you might still be able to right it, and you can reef the sails, which i've heard on an 18 you can't (at least the older models), which has come in very handy! especially solo.

2 people is great, fits perfect, and occassionally we'll take 3 people on board, helps in high wind, and doesn't usually pose a problem if they know how to stay out of the way (or you have both hiking)

cheaper, easier to maintain etc.

Good luck!

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1985 Hobie 16 86068