Hobie 17 vs Thistle
How do the Hobie 17 and Thistle compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hobie 17 
Thistle | Hobie 17 | Thistle | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.8 ft5.11 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 1.5 ft0.46 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 315 lb143 kg | 515 lb234 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 168 ft²15.6 m² | 191 ft²17.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 58.06 | 47.56 |
| Displacement / Length | 30 | 47 |
| Comfort ratio | 1.8 | 4.3 |
| Capsize screening | 4.66 | 2.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Hobie 17 vs Thistle: the short version
- The Hobie 17 and Thistle are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Thistle is heavier, displacing about 63% 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 47.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Thistle scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Thistle rates better for offshore work (2.99 vs 4.66).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.