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17' Sport vs 18" SX
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=60108		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Wayne Eby [ Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  17' Sport vs 18" SX
Considering a 17' Hobie Sport?? A 16' was a dog in comparison to the 18" which is a machine. Loved it Raced it, stable fast. The 18' is great but for me now too much to rig etc. What about the 17' would I be disappointed? Wayne
Author:  MBounds [ Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 17' Sport vs 18" SX
The 17 is like a cross between a 16 and an 18 Magnum - without a jib.

It's hard to tack.

It's fast upwind - especially in a breeze.

It's weird on a reach. It doesn't like to reach.

It's under-powered downwind.

It's miserable in light air (at least for racing).

However, I will argue with anybody that it's the best boat Hobie Cat has ever built - as long as you're sailing single-handed.

I love it. But I'm biased.
Author:  dorienc [ Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 17' Sport vs 18" SX
MBounds wrote:
- as long as you're sailing single-handed.


And that's the key. I was sold one (Hobie 17) by an unscrupulous Hobie dealer when I said I didn't think the 16 was big enough for my family, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to right the 18. We very quickly out grew it.
They are fun boats. The best in high wind-they keep on their feet when the 16s are capsizing all around. In light air though, they are very slow. And more than 2 medium sized people on board and you sink the hulls.
And the 17 came 2 ways, both with wings and pivoting centerboards. The SE which has no jib, and has a boom (that sweeps the deck-you have to roll under it) and the Sport with a jib and boomless mainsail (has a short "boomlet" that doesn't connect to the mast).
Author:  [email protected] [ Thu Apr 30, 2020 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 17' Sport vs 18" SX
Replying long after the fact but..... solo.... rig the boat with a roller furling jib and code 0 and you have an adaptable light air/heavy air, upwind/downwind package. Note i also tried and have a super jib and spin but the normal sport jib and Code 0 seem to best accommodate all conditions.

James H17+ & F25C+
Author:  fastcat3 [ Thu Aug 20, 2020 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 17' Sport vs 18" SX
I've been sailing my 2000 H17Sport for 18 years and its a great boat for single handed sailors, a bit slower with 2 and almost a submarine with 3. If you plan to mostly solo, it's the boat for you. If you plan for 2 or more then the 18 is a much better bet.
Author:  fastcat3 [ Thu Aug 20, 2020 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 17' Sport vs 18" SX
I've been sailing my 2000 H17Sport for 18 years and its a great boat for single handed sailors, a bit slower with 2 and almost a submarine with 3. If you plan to mostly solo, it's the boat for you. If you plan for 2 or more then the 18 is a much better bet.
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