The choice of which to huy depends on what you want the boat for, as for the 14, I own the oldest sailing 14 the anyone on here has heard of. It is a 67 and still as solid as a rock, that should answer some of the hard to maintain questions. It is a really easy boat to learn on, I had sailed on a sunfish and a snark quite a bit before getting into my Hobie, man had I been missing alot. The 14T is a great little boat if you are going to be sailing solo or with one other person. If you put to many people on it, well she is a slug but with me and a lady friend we can catch every mono on the lake and most of the other cats. I know that sounds weird to the people who sail bigger boats but my little boat flys solo, there is nothing that can catch me. It is simple to rig and haul although you will have to get a trailor but I would think you would want on with the wave also.
Now for the bad about the 14. Although she is fast she is very weight sensitive, also you will not be dry, every wave will crash over you and you will be getting splashed from under the tramp. I do not consider this a bad thing but some might. As for a family boat, look at the wave, the 14 is a racer not a cruiser. And just as the other guy said, small children will not enjoy the boom swinging across the entire tramp... but in all honesty would you enjoy a sail swinging across?
I hope that this helped, I would go with the 14 but that is me a young college student who loves speed. I am not looking for a family, about all I haul on my boat is a potential girlfriend from time to time. Oh and just for the record girls love to hang out on the trapeze so if that is what you are looking for go with the 14.
No matter what you will have fun, enjoy a Hobie!!
_________________ Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!
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