How are they for a cat newbie? How is their durability? Can they hit an oyster bar full speed and make it home? I always figured those issues plus price kept them off the rookie market.
A Hobie 16 is a proven design, is easy to rig, and can be cruised around as well as haul butt. I have had lots of weight on mine as far as people go, adults, kids, a mix of the two and just tamed the boat down a bit and cruised around. It is understandable that most will advise whatever boat they sail when asked the, "what is the best boat for me" question, and there is nothing wrong with that. I won't say that the H16 is the best choice for your needs, but it is a great boat, obviously, they've been making them since what, 1971? The H16 offers a little bit of a drier ride also since it has a raised trampoline, and if you avoid the mesh tramps and have a solid trampoline. Whatever cat you choose, of course you would want to learn to sail the boat and see how it handles before taking small children out on it for sure, but I'm sure you know that.
Whatever you decide, Happy Sailing to ya!!!!
One of my F16s has Kevlar bottoms. I am not sure that means I can play demolition derby with it but neither boat seems any less capable than my H14. Before the rigging time comes up again, I can rig main only, main and jib or main, jib & spinnaker. Main only, my F16 is ready as fast as my H14. I will say sailing main with spinnaker and hiked out on the wire is a hoot. You won't get that on a H16 ... no offence; just a different type of cat sailing.
Biggest down side to the more modern hull design is once you sail one, a Hobie 16 feels like a bath tub.
I think price plays a big part in it, a used F16 is probably 7k? Plus they don't sell super quick. You can get an H16 or H18 for 2k, decided you hate and want to take up bowling, and sell it your neighbor for a small loss. Or decided you love it, sell it for a small loss and get an F16. I think a lot of people buy cats that end up sitting in the driveway, better to find that out early and cheaply.
I will say sailing main with spinnaker and hiked out on the wire is a hoot. You won't get that on a H16
why won't he get do this on a h16?
Edited by MN3 on Sep 05, 2018 - 05:45 PM.
Sure, price matters... and if you want to hook a new sailor, speed-to-rig matters almost as much as indestructability. Low price, high durability, and high simplicity all factor in.
Once you get sailors 'into' the swing of things, put them on the wire on a more recently designed boat and you'll set that hook for life. My 2003 Tiger is a blast, but my 1982 H18 with upgraded sails is a whole lotta fun as well... complexity vs. simplicity is the biggest difference.
Randii