Trac 14 = Hobie 14 ???

Is a trac 14 the same as a Hobie 14?
The used one I am considering has furling jib.
If not the same as Hobie is it as good a boat?
Can it sail 2 people?

I am really looking for a 16 but this one showed up for about $700.

thanks
RBC

The Trac 14 is a different boat than a Hobie 14. The Tracs were made by AMF/ Alcort until the 80's I believe. As I recall, they had kind of a strange rudder lock mechanism. I've only sailed a Trac 16, so I cant say if a 14 will float two people, but I think it might be a stretch. One thing which favors the Hobie is parts availability- you might have trouble finding boat-specific parts for the Trac. I'd go for the Hobie 16- you should be able to find a good one for under $1000.
Hope this helps,
Dave

I have had both boats, and they each have their good and bad points. I feel that the Trac 14 can hold 2 people much better than the Hobie because of the volume of the hulls. The Trac is really easy to set up and break down and can be put together completely in about 15 minutes. I wouldn't exactly call the Trac a performer like the Hobie, but it is a cool boat. The H14 is faster and lighter, though.

The Trac I had came with a broken steering system, so I riggged a Hobie 14 system on it. Worked perfectly until a Hurricane took the boat. Parts were hard to come by, but I got the boat for a case of beer..

Dan