Looking for Hobie, what is right for me?

I am spending the summer in Destin FL (panhandle) and want to sail most the time.
My exsperience: I grew up on the beach and have sailed dozens of 16's and 18's.

What I want to sail for: I want to get some speed, do some scurfing off the back in higher winds, do a long overnight, camp on the beach, crusie and just have fun at some beach parties with some friends.

Me: Quite a bit differant from my younger days as a lifeguard, I am 6.1 280pounds and have not sailed in over 10 years. Some of my friends, same exsper. as I, will be going as well so we can exspect 400-500 pounds of crew on the boat.

What I am looking at right now. Miracle 20's. I have heard allot of good things about this boat and think the power might be good for my weight. I have heard it is not a great beach boat? Any replies to this?

I thought about a 21, but not sure.

Any help is aprec.

You might also think about a Getaway - the front tramp gives lots of space to pack stuff for an overnight, it has high weight capacity, and the rotomold hulls will take all the beach abuse you could give.

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Tim
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I am sure it is a great boat for it's use, but with the Destin croud, my old sailor friends, and etc, that would almost be like taking a moped to a Harley convention, no insult intended to the boat or recommendation.

20 is a racer. If you're going to beach her with out wheels along, you're asking for trouble I think. The 21 is a great idea, especially for party time and more people etc......I have a buddy that has one with huge wings on it, and its pretty awesome. They take it out with lots of people and beer and have a pretty good time.

I am 6'0'' and 275 so I am also a big guy. I have a Hobie 20 as well. What are your concerns with the 20 as a beach boat?

I will be pulling what ever boat i have up on shore on the sand. Allot of ppl tell me that is a no no with the 20 but ok with the 19? I guess the 19 and 16 were more "beach" boats while the 20 is a racer.

Then again if the 5K i spend on it is just considered play money for having a boat for the next 3-5 years in Destin, FL and i dont care if i cant sell it later.... is it still that much of a concern? Or will it really mess th hulls that quick?

-William

You would probably be happiest with a 21 for what you are doing. I beleive the 21SC has an optional front tramp as well. The 21 is a good performer for cruising and will be sure to help you get your fix yet is sturdy and can handle the weight. If camping is in the plan go with the 21. Other wise I would suggest the 18 or 20. The 20 while stout, is more delicate than say a 16, 18 or 21. If your going to be dragging on the beach I would not suggest the 20.

No clamshell design should be dragged on the beach. The 21 is the best Hobie for what you describe. It will be a beast to drag around. The 21 hulls are built like the 18 and can take the grinding for a long time before repairs are necessary. The 20 can go 1-2 seasons of grinding before repairs are critical.

The only problem with the 21 is I am not so sure I can pull it around by myself. The 18 might be better if I find myself alone and need to pull itup on shore. I can pull it onver sand slowly but I have never tried to with a 21, sounds like a back breaker!

You'll be able to do it. I don't think the weight difference between the 18 and 21 is a big enough difference to justify not getting the space you need. Those 20s are fragile, but the 21 is not.

Umm according to Hobie the 21 Sport Cruiser is 600lbs, the Hobie 18 400.

Thats quite a jump in weight. I don't think you would be able to move that around on the beach by yourself very easily.

Isnt the SC the one with the shorter mast and all that storage and stuff up on the front cross bar? I just don't remember my buddies 21 being 600lbs, but I may be wrong.

The the SC is the one with the built in cooler and storage, and a front tramp (It may weigh more the the SE), but the SE is still a BIIIIIG boat.

The one SC that is at my Yacht Club, the guy pulls it up the beach on a dolly with his truck. It is pretty funny to see.

Okay, then the 18 or getaway is the boat to think on.
I just think the benches on the 21 are the coolest. You can sit 4 people on one side and still fly.

Yes I think an 18 with magnum wings or an SX18 would be the boat to buy in this case.

Even a 16 wouldn't be bad, you just have to round robin the crew off at the beach.