Hobie 14 vs Hobie 17
How do the Hobie 14 and Hobie 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hobie 14 
Hobie 17 | Hobie 14 | Hobie 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 13.9 ft4.25 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 16.8 ft5.11 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 7.9 ft2.41 m |
| Draft | 0.7 ft0.20 m | 1.5 ft0.46 m |
| Displacement | 240 lb109 kg | 315 lb143 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 148 ft²13.7 m² | 168 ft²15.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 61.32 | 58.06 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 30 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 1.8 |
| Capsize screening | 4.88 | 4.66 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 5.5 |
Hobie 14 vs Hobie 17: the short version
- The Hobie 17 is the larger boat at 17.0 ft5.18 m LOA versus 13.9 ft4.25 m for the Hobie 14.
- The Hobie 17 is heavier, displacing about 31% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hobie 14 carries the more powerful rig (61.3 vs 58.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hobie 17 rates better for offshore work (4.66 vs 4.88).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.