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 Post subject: First cat
PostPosted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:53 am 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:51 am
Posts: 27
Location: Melbourne, Australia
I'm looking to get into solo sailing

Should I get a hobie 16 or 14 as my first boat to sail solo?


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 Post subject: Re: First cat
PostPosted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:26 pm 
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Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 3:07 pm
Posts: 224
The 14 is a great solo boat. The 14 is an easy boat to learn on and easy to right yourself. I'd look for a "turbo" which means it has a jib, this makes sailing more fun and tacking easier.


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 Post subject: Re: First cat
PostPosted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 8:26 am 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Wed May 05, 2010 8:28 am
Posts: 791
Location: Clinton Lake, KS
I am 6'5" 215lbs H16 all the way...


On the H16 if there is enough wind to knock me over, with a properly sealed mast and good technique I can right it solo.... The only trouble I have is if I am goofing off in really light air and capsize being silly..

Or sometimes in really puffy conditions I have to wait for a nice gust to lift it back up...

Solo righting poles are easy to make and allow a 160lb-er to right a H16 no problem..

at 210 lbs... the H14 just isn't enough boat... and will nearly prevent you from seriously sailing with any crew..

_________________
www.thehobiewayoflife.com


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 Post subject: Re: First cat
PostPosted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 11:26 am 
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Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Thu May 23, 2013 12:02 am
Posts: 165
Location: London
I had the same dilemma but went for the H16 and have no regrets.
The H14 turbo as mentioned is a great boat but in my opinion the H16 offers more options.

My biggest issue has been going solo but again as mentioned a righting pole has put this fear to bed.
Check out a post I posted a little while ago title 'Righting system for solo (150lb/10.5st 5'10 skinny git)?' says it all :-)
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=49202

SRG

_________________
Hobie 14 Turbo (~1979)
Hobie 16 Carumba (1983)
Hobie 16 1990 (storm damaged)
Hobie 16 1996 (my latest)


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