Cheshire 14 vs Hobie 14
How do the Cheshire 14 and Hobie 14 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cheshire 14 Fiberglass Unlimited/Custom Fiberglass International · 1962 
Hobie 14 Hobie Cat Company · 1967 | Cheshire 14 | Hobie 14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 14.0 ft4.27 m | 13.9 ft4.25 m |
| Waterline length | —— | —— |
| Beam | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 7.6 ft2.31 m |
| Draft | 2.1 ft0.63 m | 0.7 ft0.20 m |
| Displacement | 185 lb84 kg | 240 lb109 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 135 ft²12.5 m² | 148 ft²13.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 66.53 | 61.32 |
| Displacement / Length | — | — |
| Comfort ratio | — | — |
| Capsize screening | 4.51 | 4.88 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | — |
Cheshire 14 vs Hobie 14: the short version
- The Cheshire 14 and Hobie 14 are close in length (14.0 ft4.27 m vs 13.9 ft4.25 m ).
- The Hobie 14 is heavier, displacing about 30% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cheshire 14 carries the more powerful rig (66.5 vs 61.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cheshire 14 rates better for offshore work (4.51 vs 4.88).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.