How big is too big?

Have had a LaserII for years -- tippy but could right it myself.
Getting older, want a Hobie for weekend lake sailing solo or with one passive adult along, perhaps teach grandkids to sail -- would like a main and Jib and a boat with some pep but need to be able to right the boat if solo -- have very variable direction and gusty winds at times on our lake. How big a Hobie can a 165# physically fit guy expect to be able to right solo? Suggestions? Thanks.

Some guys might suggest the righting bucket on here in the hobie catalog, but it's actually pretty hard to use and keep your shoulders in line while righting the boat.

What the guy at my local hobie dealer would do when soloing his H18 was he would take a backpack and put a trashbag in it. When he would capsize he would fill up the backpack's trashbag with water, then zip the backpack shut with the bag inside it, so its like a giant water pouch. He's then put it on his front and right the boat. He is about 170lbs, 5'8". I'm the same wieght/height as him as well, but I haven't capsized solo yet so I haven't tried it.

I haven't solo'd in white caps yet. So my friends and I otherwise were always able to right the boat if it were white capping. If it wasn't white capping I was able to just prevent capsizes by dumping wind. I might solo in white caps when I'm better though.

Hope this helps. Try it out with a friend, go capsize on purpose and strap the backpack on and try to right it solo. If you can't do it, then ask him to join. Then, go find a bigger backpack and trashbag or something and try again.

SHOLDR
Try a Wave, simple, works well, easy maintenance, cost effective.
If you want more performance, buy an old H16, unless the wind is more than about 14 knots, you should be able to right it yourself.
you'll need to be in good shape, though.

later

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Another option, is a Hobie 14 turbo ( I think they came with a jib ) A regular Hobie 14 did not, but you might be able to add a jib to one. ( then making it essentially a Turbo )

With a kid or two, a 14 would be great. But if your also considering adults, a Hobie 16 would be better. You can solo either one of them. But if your new to catamarans, going out solo, in lighter winds to start, is best. That way you can get boat time in, to adjust to how they handle.

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79 H16 #46803

I'd have to agree with this. Just go when you feel the winds are lighter so you can learn to compensate when you get to the stronger winds. Best start slow and learn than to tough it out and fail. Best of luck. How is it going by the way, made any progress yet?