Found a Hobie 14 never sailed befor

Hey so i found a water-ready Hobie 14 and trailer on the marketplace a few minutes from me for $1000 CAD was going to get it for my dad as a gift but both of us are around 200lbs is it even worth getting for a starter boat in Lake Huron? just to play with? will it even operate at that weight? this would definitely be just a pleasure craft for fun in the lake and by no means to race.

Hobie 14s are very weight sensitive. Designed to single hand and at a racing crew weight optimal at 150 lbs. Two at 200 lbs would be a bit like a log rolling contest.

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

Small update so I jumped the gun and bought it
Driving it home the trailer bearing seized and the tire blew so I need to buy new tires for the trailer

the rudders cracked when the tire blew (luckily there is someone nearby parting out a Hobie 16 so I am going to try and get new rudders tomorrow) (would love advice on what's a good price for used rudders that are not 90% fiberglass patch.)

there is some small soft spots in the board but I have all the sanding and epoxy equipment to drill fill and patch so after I take it out once or twice this season I will take the bottoms off and rebuild them.

one upside is the mast and sail are in pristine condition and clearly have been stored in a heated garage their whole life.

will upload pictures as things go.

running tally for money burned is 900$ to be 1050 once I get new tires and rims

Hi Cole,

I just bought a Hobie 14 to learn how to sail.

This is what I learned:

1) It is a one-person boat. I wish I had known this. I'm now looking for a Wave so that I can sail with other people.
2) It is difficult for me to raise the mast alone - A hardy female - 53.
3) It is easy to dent the hulls.
4) It has made me cry twice in public.
5) It flips easily, without notice, pitchpoles or capsizes
6) Righting solo is really difficult. You have to counterbalance 1,380 pounds to get it upright.
7) Parts are easy to find and are affordable
Get oars. You'll need them more than you think.
9) If you like the challenge of the unexpected, once underway, it is great fun.
10) Don't sail in the Hudson River. Find a clean lake because you'll be on the water.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jenn

Or look for a Hobie 16. They are all over the place, and great boats. Can solo them or sail with 3 or 4 people.

For Jenn, you'll probably need a gin pole to raise the mast on any boat capable of carrying more than 1 person, plus a righting bag or righting pole for any catamaran.

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks