Advice wanted - H16 or H17 Sport?

I'm new to the board, new to sailing.

I grew up here in St. Petersburg, FL, and rather enjoyed being a bit of a beach bum. I've had a dream for 20+ years of owning and sailing a Hobie Cat.

I was recently reminded of this dream, so I signed up at my local Yacht Club (monohulls-only) and graduated my local sailing school. I'm also signing up with a neighboring yacht club that is mostly multi-hull.

I didn't receive any certification, but I'm pretty comfortable with the basics. I had a great time, learned more than I thought I would, but from the first minute on, sailing felt entirely natural.

And yes, I'm hooked.

Horribly.


So I'm shopping, and as men like to do, I'm researching. And I'm, ah, frugal. A cheapskate. Miserly. You get the idea.

I don't mind paying for quality though. I'd rather spend a bit more than have to wrench more than sail.

I will probably single-hand as often as I have a passenger. I may be inclined to take friends out once in a while, for a total possible load of four adults. I don't mind limiting it to just me plus one, though. Will be used some in Tampa Bay, but much more near the beaches in the Gulf. Racing isn't really in my future, so this will just be for personal fun.


I'm trying to decide between two Hobie Cats, either the 16 or the 17 Sport. While I'm sure it's a fine craft in its own right, the Getaway holds no draw for me. At some point, I will want to add a removable mount for a motor (most access points here are usually wind-free).


I'd like to sum up what I find attractive about each, then I'd like to hear from anyone who has an opinion (and yes, I know about opinions!).


The H16 is the VW Bug of boats. They are everywhere, solid & proven design, and very tough to kill. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive, and tech information, advice, upgrades, etc. are equally plentiful. Fast, fun, reliable, universal. My first love.


The H17 Sport seems more refined but still holds close to the original. I like the idea (not sure of the specs) of increased crew. I LOVE the idea of the wing seats, and love it that you don't have to use them (more options for staying comfortable while puttering around but still more than capable of flying a hull). Not so hot on the "boom-let" design (not a real manly term there), but I guess it works well enough. Like the roller-furler on the jib. Not so hot on the standing rigging for the jib (bridles & spreader pole - more to go wrong?). Not sure if the symmetrical hulls are a plus. Tougher to find, and I'm guessing the parts are a bit more money as well.

I missed a great deal on a H16 two weeks ago. $700 for boat, trailer, full complement of sails, cat trax, etc. Looked to be in good seaworthy condition. I was disappointed, but also encouraged that there will be other great deals.


Local dealer has this H17 Sport available. Wing seats included, trailer too, no trax, $3000. I haven't done a full inspection, as it will be a few more paychecks before I'm ready, but I'm seriously considering it.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/2021711886.html


Have at it - whaddyathink!?

I took classes at Clearwater Community Sailing a couple of years ago.
Looked around for a cat. First one that I found, right price and not a days drive away was my 1984 H18. Great boat, challenginging for one person (still) and will carry one or two more people no problem. Get yourself a H18 (preferably with wings), bring it up to Dunedin Causeway and talk to Jim Graves (Hobie 911). He has had his H18 20 years and is always willing to show you what you need and how to tune your boat right. Dunedin has drive on beach, sail St. Joseph Sound or straight out into the Gulf.

I can weigh in on this. I owned a H16 for 20 years before getting a H16Sport in 2002. I usually solo and sail in higher wind (up to 25 knots solo and higher with a second person aboard) and get out 40+ times a season. Neither boat sails well with more than 2 people (400 lbs) so if that is an intention go with a bigger boat (e.g. 18 - 20). However, if you do plan to mostly solo, definitely get the 17. It is faster, better in high wind, the wings are great (as a backrest, as a seat, as a method to get your weight way out there and safety wise – they are great side rails) and it has much less tendency to pitch pole than the H16. The H16 does have its advantages, it is a drier ride in a blow, can handle more weight (though performance is effected), simpler, a great surf boat, still in production and used parts are readily available. Good luck

Ive had them all. 18 First (you get comfortable on it quick) 16 second choice for two people-17 slows down too much with 2. Third 17, BUT I love my 17 when I'm alone, so you can't win (I have a 17 AND 18 now). Oh, I don't like the 17 in big wind and waves- hulls dive in due to the low volume.

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

How much do you weigh? If you are anywhere near 200 pounds you may want to add the Hobie 18 to your list.

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H-18
Ocean Springs, MS

this will rule out the 17, not enough freeboard
If you want to take four adults occasionally that tips the scales heavily in favor of the 16.

You're right, the 16 is the VW of catamarans. If at a future date you decide something different is your cup of tea, you will have no problem selling the boat. Just make sure you do not buy one with soft, or repaired decks.

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

That's too bad you don't like the Getaway, because that would the THE boat for what you're looking for.

Ahh, finally I have access to a computer that can get to this web site!

Unfortunately, my finances just took a major hit, so my pending purchase is delayed. Not necessarily a bad thing - more time to shop, less rush to buy!

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever model I wind up with.

Lately I'm leaning to the H16, because I have the distinct impression I will be solo most of the time. I still like the winged 17, as it's still sporty like the 16, with a little more variety for comfort, and more potential for passengers. 18+ would be fine too, lol!

I'm still not hot on the Getaway or related models. They look "chunky" to me, and while I'm sure I could fly a hull, they just don't look as performance-oriented. I think I'd rather get a 16 or 17 for play, and a mono-hull for more capacity.

I did want to post a follow-up to let you know I hadn't abandoned the board - thanks again everyone!

Hi flabeachbum. I looked at the 17 that the St. Pete dealer has and it is a little rough for my taste. It also has some custom modifications which I didn't care for. And of course you will spend more on the boat after you buy it so it can become expensive fast. I think a 16 is your best bet. Lots of old ones around and cheap too. Parts are readily available both used and new. Lots of people racing them. It's a pretty easy boat to solo and yet you can take along a couple of friends if they show up. The lack of boards on the 16 makes it an ideal boat for the Tampa Bay area. I often sail in Tampa Bay off of Picnic Island and have been one with a sand bar more times than I care to remember. I think if you keep watching craigslist you'll eventually see something you like that fits your budget. The used 16 market is pretty strong so if you tire of it and want to move up you'll likely get a good chunk of your investment back.