Cornish Crabber 17 vs Hobie 17
How do the Cornish Crabber 17 and Hobie 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cornish Crabber 17 
Hobie 17 | Cornish Crabber 17 | Hobie 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.8 ft5.11 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.09 m | 7.9 ft2.41 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 1.5 ft0.46 m |
| Displacement | 1,950 lb885 kg | 315 lb143 kg |
| Ballast | 217 lb98 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 178 ft²16.5 m² | 168 ft²15.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.25 | 58.06 |
| Displacement / Length | 213 | 30 |
| Comfort ratio | 14.2 | 1.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.20 | 4.66 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.5 |
Cornish Crabber 17 vs Hobie 17: the short version
- The Cornish Crabber 17 and Hobie 17 are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Cornish Crabber 17 is heavier, displacing about 519% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hobie 17 carries the more powerful rig (58.1 vs 18.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cornish Crabber 17 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cornish Crabber 17 rates better for offshore work (2.20 vs 4.66).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.