H-16, 17 or 18? (for Gulf fishing & spearfishing)

What size Hobiecat do you recommend I get?

I'm new to sailing and new to Hobiecats. I can't stop dreaming about them and I've put a little money aside to get one.

I'm a man of adventure. I want to beach launch here on Texas coast, sail out to the oil rigs (maybe 20 miles out even) with a buddy, catch or spear fish and then bring my catch back.

Thanks for your recommendations.

You might get away with a 17... but in either case I'd recommend a boat with wings. You will probably not enjoy sitting on the deck fishing after a while. Wings make a boat incredibly comfortable, adds deck space, adds leverage in a blow and we found great ways to secure our pole to the wing for trolling...

17 comes with wings, 18 are aftermarket (only used now, as they stopped making them).

No to discourage you, but with that type of adventure in mind you will want to consider:
Sailing with another boat as a pair.
Purchase an EPIRB
Purchase a SPOT locating beacon
Purchase a VHF radio
Install a Hobie BOB so you don't turtle should you flip

Anything over a mile or two out (even less!) can get out of hand real quick, especially for a beginner. I do not know what the wind does in your area, but if you get caught in an off shore blow things can get, well real adventurous...

Cheers

In addition to the above list, I also recommend a fully paid up life insurance policy.

I recall a story about a Hobie sailor that was fishing while racing somewhere in the south Pacific and caught a huge sailfish....
But he sailing the "limousine",the Hobie 21SE which would be my choice.
You really need to invite another boat for an adventure that for safety reasons and I know someone with a 21SE that is crazy enough to enjoying doing an off shore trip like that ...
Bill 404 21SE

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Bill 404 21SE

Id go for the 18 with or without wings. Take a good radio if something happens all the oil flow traffic will be there. Rigs have many supply ships going back and forth. Or practice swimming the English channel so if your boat sinks you can just swim home.

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277

An 18 magnum would be your best bet. Almost definitely not a 17. 17s just don't have enough bouancy and freeboard for two guys and your fishing gear.
As others have said, be sure to take extra precautions if you're going to sail well offshore. Definitely take a VHF, GPS, extra food and water, and possibly an EPIRB. Definitely file a "flight plan" with someone who will call the coast guard if you don't come back. These boats are strong, but they simply don't have a lot of backup systems, so if you bust something like a shroud, you could find yourself in a heap of trouble.

sm

Also you may wish to consider a H-21SE ... it is big, wide and strong (approx 600lbs) .... has a jib furler ... and it has wings ...

Your basic H18Mag on steriods ..... lots of steriods ....

... and the advice mentioned above ... is very very good advice ..... given freely by some people that have alot ... and I do mean alot of "time on the water" ....

(... I have been 20m offshore on a H18Mag .... 1987 New England 100 .... Buzzards Bay Light .... and when we realized how far out we were .... we turned and made a "beeline" for the Rhode Island Coast .... and I was veryyyy relieved when we came with-in sight of the shoreline ....)

What you are proposing is a SERIOUS "adventure" .... not to be attempted lightly .... and remember the people, the men and woman who will risk their lives to come and help save you ... if things go wrong .... please do not take placing their lives in danger lightly ..... risking yours is your business .... risking theirs is not ....

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

I'd recommend something in the upper 20' range in a Sea Vee. Twin 250's should do.

It's not often said, but there are no truer words said Harry.
So many people have no consideration for the dedicated few who put their life's at risk, to come out and save them, simply because they "thought" they could do it.



Learn to flap your wings before you jump from the nest and try to fly!!!

That's my recommendation!!!

No offence man but what you are proposing with the level of experience you have is not adventurous, it's stupid. A lot can go wrong very quickly out there, and with your experience I don't think you will know what to do when it does. Also just curious what are ya gonna do if and when the wind stops? As Karl said, in not so many words, a beach cat is not an offshore fishing boat. You want to go off shore fishing then buy or charter an offshore fishing boat.

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Brian C.
H14
H16