Hobie 17 vs Nacra 5.2
How do the Hobie 17 and Nacra 5.2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hobie 17 
Nacra 5.2 | Hobie 17 | Nacra 5.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.8 ft5.11 m | —— |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 1.5 ft0.46 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 315 lb143 kg | 350 lb159 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 168 ft²15.6 m² | 220 ft²20.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 58.06 | 70.88 |
| Displacement / Length | 30 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 1.8 | — |
| Capsize screening | 4.66 | 4.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | — |
Hobie 17 vs Nacra 5.2: the short version
- The Hobie 17 and Nacra 5.2 are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Nacra 5.2 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nacra 5.2 carries the more powerful rig (70.9 vs 58.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nacra 5.2 rates better for offshore work (4.54 vs 4.66).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.