[quote=DaveW70]E C. has some very good advice. There is no right answer for everyone. You have to consider your skill level, the condition of your boat and the environment you are sailing in (wind, waves, temperature, other boats etc). I would say you need to be a pretty skilled sailor and very comfortable with your boat before you sail solo in 20+ knot winds. So, without further information, I would tend to agree with your parents.
I too have an H14 (the Turbo version) and I weigh 150 lbs pounds. I like the 14 because it is easy for me to drag around on the beach and it is a blast to solo. Not to mention that it is one tough boat even at 36 years old. 155 lbs is considered the ideal weight for the H14 by the way. I bought my first boat, a Hobie 16, in 1978 and I have sailed a lot on both cats and monohulls since then. I have often quipped that the best sailing is when there are small craft warnings (not true). I have sailed in 20-25 knot winds on my Hobies, but it is always in groups of other cats with experienced skippers. The H14 can be quite a ride. Like riding a big surf board. But, we stay together and we don't venture far off shore. In addition to always wearing a PFD, I also carry some other safety equipment such as a paddle and radio. Years ago I and a buddy were on my H16 along with several other H16's in what we later learned were 35-40+ knot winds. Big mistake. Even though we had the jib down and a reefed main, all we were doing is fighting the boats. We got that sucker back on the trailer post haste and went home.
While the Hobie 14s and 16s do have a greater tendency to pitchpole then cats with more modern hull designs, there are a number of things you can do to minimize the problem. Make sure you have sufficient mast rake. There is a complete tuning guide by Bob Curry here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/articles/archive/?src=http://2010.archive.hobiecat.com/support/tech/h14tuning.html
In addition to being on the wire make sure you keep your weight as far aft as possible. I am often sitting on the rear pylon and if I'm on the wire I frequently have one foot on the hull behind the tramp with the other on the rear pylon. When you find that lee hull diving, head up some or ease the main. I keep the main sheet uncleated so I can react more quickly. Still, I go swimming once in a while. Don't be afraid of flipping it. I have done it many times. Just make sure you know how to right it. With the proper righting technique you should be on your way again in a couple of minutes. As you gain skill and become more comfortable with your boat, you will be able to handle more extreme conditions. But, I always say pay attention to safety and the fun will continue indefinitely. This is supposed to be a fun sport not a life threatening experience.
Good Sailing
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