This Hobie is a 14(link below), what are the major differences in the hobie 16 and 14? I weight 150lb, and I heard a hobie 16 could be quit a hand full alone, But I would also like a boat I can take a friend/girlfriend out on as well.
Also is the asking price good for condition?

Link to hobbie 14
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/2922437890.htm

link doesn't work.

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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I'd recommend the 16.

I have a 14 Turbo, and it CAN be a blast alone.. but then when the wind is really screaming and you want to sail it like crazy...(for me that's out in the bay)... the wave or chop is up a bit and the hulls are a bit too small to handle it... you can do it, but you're ALWAYS on guard and wary of pitchpole.

The hulls on the 16 are bigger, reducing the tendency to pichpole as compared to the 14. Another benefit of the bigger hulls is they carry weight much better... The 14 with 2 average sized adults (say 300lbs total) just handles like a pig... hard to tack, etc... whereas the 16 this is also easier.

For going solo, I'd still say get the 16 and maybe until you're confident, just sail it without the jib. Learn to sail and tack without the jib.. how to backup the boat and get out of irons, etc... and when you have a friend along, put the jib on to give them something to do. Carry a big righting bag for when you flip...

oh yeah, lots more used stuff out there for a 16 than a 14 too... and have fun!

have you given a Laser any thought? they carry a nice premium, but may be worth looking into, especially if you dont have mast up storage.

i would also recommend the 16. i am quite a bit heavier than you (200) and i can sail this boat easily single handed. i have seen much younger and lighter sailors handle it just fine. just don't try to sail it in really heavy winds without some experience. the 14 is iffy for two adults, rides real low and is just not as fun. matt suggests a laser, i have one of those as well and there is nothing easier than rigging that in about 10 minutes and screaming off. big one design class, lots of racing and other support. tight for two adults but manageable. you may want to find a local sailing club and see if you can some folks to take you out.

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Kenneth Purdy
Hobie 16
Nacra 5.2 (2)
Banshee
First Coast, Florida
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Did you see the 16 for $750 in Craigs??.. I have always wanted a YELLOW 16.. More parts available for the 16.. start sailing with a experienced crew member and be soloing in no time.. Big wind .. Reef the main sail.. My kids were soloing at 11 years old !! Get a bucket to right it solo.. Sail in a very large class if you want to race. Way more info on the net for the 16. And on and on and on.. That is such a cool boat .. Cheers Hal

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Hal Liske
Livermore CA
H 16 (6+ 1.. Friends) H 3.2 N 5.2 (2) H 17 (2) H-18
Nacra 5.8 (son's) H 20 (Friends)
It's a Sickness

I Need a A Cat Please
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My vote is on the 16, I was in the same "boat" that you are in last summer, I went with the 16 and I'm happy with it. I mostly sail solo but friends will want to go, and you'll get the itch to go crazy and get wild, you'll want a crew for that for sure. It's nice to have the option for solo or crew sailing or even taking 3 or 4 out for a slow cruise. You don't have that in the 14. Besides at a little over 200 I was a little heavy for the 14 solo, let alone with anyone else.
I'm in Michigan and we have a few H16 fleets around here, most of the guys that I talk to are super cool and are willing to help show you the ropes/lines, they'll go out with you and show you how to work your rig, on a 14 they'll have to tell you on land then you have to go out and actually remember what they said
The 16 is by far more popular and for a reason.

Good luck and happy sailing.

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Cesar (Cez) S.
Hobie 16 (had a few)
Nacra 5.2 "Hull Yeah"
Vectorworks XJ - A class (not named yet)
West Michigan (Grand Rapids/Holland Area)
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I swear when I checked out Craigs the other night ther was a yellow 16 for 750. got to act fast this time of year. THE DEALS ARE THERE !! Make up your mind about the boat. Could have sold that boat for way more in the summer if it did not work 4 you. Go for it. U will not regret it!!

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Hal Liske
Livermore CA
H 16 (6+ 1.. Friends) H 3.2 N 5.2 (2) H 17 (2) H-18
Nacra 5.8 (son's) H 20 (Friends)
It's a Sickness

I Need a A Cat Please
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