Hobie 17 vs Vagabond 17
How do the Hobie 17 and Vagabond 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hobie 17 
Vagabond 17 | Hobie 17 | Vagabond 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.8 ft5.11 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 7.3 ft2.21 m |
| Draft | 1.5 ft0.46 m | 4.2 ft1.27 m |
| Displacement | 315 lb143 kg | 950 lb431 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 345 lb156 kg |
| Sail area | 168 ft²15.6 m² | 140 ft²13.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 58.06 | 23.18 |
| Displacement / Length | 30 | 126 |
| Comfort ratio | 1.8 | 6.7 |
| Capsize screening | 4.66 | 2.95 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 5.2 |
Hobie 17 vs Vagabond 17: the short version
- The Hobie 17 and Vagabond 17 are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Vagabond 17 is heavier, displacing about 202% 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 23.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Vagabond 17 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Vagabond 17 rates better for offshore work (2.95 vs 4.66).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.