The right Hobie for me (14 or 16)?

I am interested in getting a Hobie (either 14, 14T or 16). The primary use is sailing in a local lake with an occasional run to the coast of Texas. I'll be by sailing by myself 90% of the time. I have sailed a little bit in small monohull boats (Vagabond 14 and Holder 14), but now I'm looking for a little more speed. I weigh in around 240lbs and I would say I'm in average condition. I'm wanting to find a decent cat for around 1k that I can try out and see if it's the kind of sailing I'd like to persue. Would you reccomend a 14 or 16 and why?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Steve

The optimal weight for a crew on a H14 is 150 lbs, so you are a bit heavy for its best performance. The 16 has a racing crew weight of 285 lbs and that is about minimum for righting it. Single handed sailing a 16 is great fun though!

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

At 240lbs, I would recommend the H17. Much more forgiving on weight and even though it's designed for solo, two up wouldn't sink the boat, whereas on the 14, the hulls may have difficulty staying above water.

Thanks for replies guys...not sure I can afford anything larger than a 16 right now..maybe I should just wait until I have more funds...

I am 250, and have 14T. As mentioned there are times where it does sit pretty low in the water. Typically I don't have much trouble righting the boat by myself. Much like you 90% pf the time I am by myself as well. There is not much room for anyone more than myself but occasionally I have had my boy on (145lb) it with me. I am a frequent flyer on Lake Michigan, and have determined that much above 3-5 foot swells is on the too much side of things for my weight combination. When really trying to push things, sailing it is much like a balancing act, but worlds of fun.

The 16 that I have doen't have any problems with more than one person. Although it can be a bit of a workout to upright on your own. I haven't pushed this one to determine what exactly is too much because of it being harder to upright. The 16 is much more stable and easier to manage, although it requires a little more pushing to get the same amount of enjoyment as the 14.

By far the majority of the time when I go alone I take the 14. It is a little easier and faster to setup, and typically a bit more fun.

Stupidav- Thanks for the feedback..I've been looking for a decent 16' cat for a fair price but most around here are either too expensive and/or junk. I still might try a Hobie 14 simply because they are cheaper to buy, don't require a Tx registration, would fit in my garage and would be easier for me to sail/right singlehanded. But the main reason I'm looking for a cat is for a little more speed than my monohull (Vagabond 14) gives me.
Steve

I concur with Stupidav, I am 230 and have successfullly sailed on smoother water with a passenger at 185. I was very low in the water, but successful. If you can afford more boat, do it. I am wishing I could upgrade, but may need to consider weight loss instead!

if your willing to drive to minnesota i have a perfect hobie 14 for you for $795