Hobie 14 16 conversion or hybird

Would it be possible or not too difficult to outfit a Hobie 16 hulls and tramp with Hobie 14 mast, sail, etc.? I would like a bigger boat but I am an older woman who cannot handle a 16 alone. I have a 14 that I love but it is too small to take my grandchildren out on it...or my husband and myself.

I saw a boat for sale cheap with beautiful 16' hulls, wires and tramp. I have a fully outfitted Hobie 14. I know some of the parts are inter-changeable between a 14 and 16. How about a hybrid mongrel stray cat?

Any suggestions or is this idea just nutty and absurd? Hey, you never know unless you ask.............

Thanks,

Betsy

Dear Betsy,

The 16 has more bouyancy, but is too heavy to right with one person, generally. Using the 14 mast, would make it easier, but probably no easier than a 14 to right, as the beam is the same. And if you turtled it, you are lifting heavier hulls. I have sailed a 16 without the jib, and of course you can reef a 16 sail.

I really wonder if a 16 with 14 sails would have less tendency to go over. Probably somewhat, because the hulls are a bit heavier, but the power in a 14 would certainly allow it to tip a 16. Two up of course it would be pretty stable. And the 16 did not tend to pitch pole quite as much, as the 14 does.

Now if you are pulling it up the beach or onto a trailer, you are going to not find that easy at all with 16 hulls, on your own.

You could I suspect simply find a way to reef the 14's sail, much as the 16 does, by having two lock points, and grommets in the sail. And drop the jib. It will sail with 2 adults, but you can tip it easily, if the other person is not agile, and the weight distribution is off.

The H17 is a one person boat, with more bouyancy, and capable of carrying kids and a second person. But I found it too heavy onto the trailer, when on my own, and eventually sold it.

If you are insistent on multiple folks on board, I would very reluctantly suggest an competitive 14 cat - a Marikat or similar. They have far more bouyancy, which is the simple reason why the H14 faded. I personally have an Adventure Island now, but its a one person craft. Hobie is bringing out a two person one, so keep your eyes on that.

Get a wave!

Thank you for the information. I turtled my Hobie 14 last year at age 61 and righted it by myself with much difficulty. I decided then that was the last time I wanted to do that. I must admit it was fun though. I need to get a float for the mast.

It seems to me with the heavier hulls of the 16 and lighter mast of the 14 it would be more stable than either the 14 or 16.

I have a winch on my trailer I use to pull the boat up so that should not be a problem. And I still have the strength to pull a 16 up to the trailer
in the water. I would probably have to modify the trailer to fit the 16 hulls?

I am in Florida and do not see any Merikats. They do look neat though. I saw one on UTube.

Betsy

Thanks, a Wave might be a good idea. Is the Wave as much fun as a Hobie 14? It looks kind of slow. Maybe in a couple of years when I get older.

In a big blow the Wave may be more fun than a Hobie 14. The Wave would also solve your buoyancy problem, you can take many more guests than on the 14. No trapeze on the Wave though, and unless you enjoy hiking, you'll be hard pressed to get close to the speed of the 14.

Check your email, I think your idea could work

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

I had a 14 once. Fun little boat.
While the 14 and 16 do share architecture and hardware, and some larger pieces such as rudders, etc. (I think), you would need to have custom stays made up, which could be a PITA and expensive. But otherwise to marry up a 16 w/ 14 mast/sail would probably work. It would depower the boat, but the balance might be upset somewhat, as the 16 is designed as a sloop rig, where the 14 is cat rigged. Also the 16 is definitely a heavier boat to drag around.

If it were me, I would find a new owner to keep that 14 as a 14, and find a better boat to suit your needs. I defintely agree w/ Tom. The Wave fits the bill. As long as you are willing to sacrifice some performance in favor of stab ility, easy handling (weighs about the same as 14), the ability to actually take 4 adults, or children.

This option also keeps you in the Hobie family

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

I guess that works if the launching ramp allows you to put the trailer wheels in the water. Many places I sail you can't do that, and thats what I mean about being heavy, pull it across the sand/beach, up to the trailer, and heaving it on the back. This is especially the case in tidal waters.

A 14 trailer will likely be too short for a 16, but the size does vary, and I had one that would just have fitted a 16. It needs to be 2 foot longer, obviously, and typically this is in the front section mostly. Which is sometimes not hard to lengthen, but if its an A frame design, then you can just add a bit to the tow bar end straight bit. Might need to move the mast support too. Its when you turn corners that you need to make sure the hulls don't hit the rear of your car.

I decided the Adventure Island was way cheaper, faster to get out and back, more versatile, and at least as much fun. But until the two person kayak is released, its strictly for one.

Thanks to all, I appreciate all of the suggestions.
Very good idea not to let the hulls hit the car because I
could see myself doing that.

Betsy

[url][URL=http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2908348000104988548FTqYKh][/url][/url]

Hey that is funny! I used to own a Zuma!

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

I shed a tear or two when I traded her in on the Wave but it is the right boat for me at this time in my life. I sure did love that old Hobie 14 though.

Tomorrow I hope to take my Wave on her maiden voyage.

Thank you all for your input and information. It really helped me make my decision.

Cheers,

Betsy

61 and still not old. Gotta love that. Keep Sailing!

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1971 H16 (sail #1768)

To all of you on the Hobie Forum... I love you guys!!!
thanks for all the help!

I took out my Hybrid or Morphidite the other day and to my surprise, it sailed very well. I would like to compare against a Turbo 14 or even a 16, anybody near Creve Coere Lake in St. Louis? Anyway, I did play with a few other mono's, like a 18 or so, I thought I kept up if not surpassed them. I had taken it out on 17 mph winds, gusting to 31 mph, made for an exciting trial run, just think, I did not flip over, exactly what I no longer wanted to do. I'm very pleased of it's performance, it worked great, happy sailing to all, hope to see somebody on the water soon!