Hobie 17 vs Wave
How do the Hobie 17 and Wave compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hobie 17 
Wave | Hobie 17 | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 13.0 ft3.96 m |
| Waterline length | 16.8 ft5.11 m | 12.5 ft3.80 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 1.5 ft0.46 m | 0.9 ft0.28 m |
| Displacement | 315 lb143 kg | 245 lb111 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 168 ft²15.6 m² | 95 ft²8.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 58.06 | 38.82 |
| Displacement / Length | 30 | 56 |
| Comfort ratio | 1.8 | 2.2 |
| Capsize screening | 4.66 | 4.47 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 4.7 |
Hobie 17 vs Wave: the short version
- The Hobie 17 is the larger boat at 17.0 ft5.18 m LOA versus 13.0 ft3.96 m for the Wave.
- The Hobie 17 is heavier, displacing about 29% 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 38.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Wave scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Wave rates better for offshore work (4.47 vs 4.66).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.