Hobie 16 vs 18 in shallow waters.

I’m in the market for a used HobieCat; Ether a 16 or and 18. I owned HC-14 in my youth and sailed HC16’s frequently enough. Now it’s time to get my boys sailing on Hobies. I’ll be sailing in and around South Jersey where the in-land bays and lakes are generally shallow. I’ve sailed the HC-16’s and the rudders kick up over sand bars, no problems. With the HC-18 dagger boards, I’d have to lift them in the shallows. How well does the HC-18 sail with both dagger boards raised? I want to be able to sail with my wife and two boys and I’m afraid the HC-16 won’t have the capacity. I like the capacity and the speed of the HC-18 and expect to sail with at least one of by sons or another adult. Any suggestions.

Sorry, I don't have advice for you there - just a welcome to South Jersey!

Have fun!

My experience says that a H18 is unsailable with both daggerboards up. The boat will drift of with the wind and you will have about no steering capability becouse there is no axel to turn the boat around. It works when going on and of the beach uf you have the wind in the right direction.

Get a Hobie Getaway! That has the capacity of a Hobie 18 without the daggerboard issue. Otherwise, stick with the H16 for shallow waters.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)