Hobie 16' or 14'?

[SteveO]

I've recently been bitten by the sailing bug. I've never done it but it's always intrigued me. I live about 25 miles from the closest lake and around 175 miles form the coast. I'd like to be able to do both the lake and the coast with whatever I choose, especially since I'm in central Texas the weather stays warm until November. I was thinking about getting a Hobie Cat in either a 14' or 16'. I plan on learning with my g/f and her two teenage daughters. Of course cost is always an issue but I've found a couple of Hobies (one 14' the other 16') for around $1k that seem to be in good shape. If you were to chose which one would you go for and why? Or should I be looking at something totally different?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
SteveO

 

[tommays]

Re: Hobie 16' or 14'?

THE 14' has really SMALL hulls that submerge really easy and bury the tramp making the 14' pretty easy to pitchpole (flip forward)


The 16' would be much better for 4 people IMHP

 

[crackerjack]

Re: Hobie 16' or 14'?

I agree with tommays on both counts.

I had a hobie 14 that would sometimes bury the leeward bow in heavy seas.

My 14 was great fun for one or two people, but was overloaded with more.

Go with the 16 if you can.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Hobie 16' or 14'?

I likewise agree. I had a 16 and it was great for just what you are talking about using it for. The 14s are just a little to small. if you must have a 14, make sure to get a 14 turbo (with the roller jib.) In fact, consider an 18 footer. I always wanted one because it looked like it would handle better. Less chance of a pitchpole.

TerryMSU

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hobie 16' or 14'?

i've had 14,16,and 18 hobies. 18 was the best. buying the boat is not the expense, the additional soft ware, harnesses, etc is where the $$ come in. if you can get a boat that includes all of it, go for it. http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/accessories.html

also: http://www.murrays.com/