Hobie 21 SE Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hobie 21 SE's production run spanned from 1987 to 1990, placing its development within a significant transitional period for the Hobie Cat Company. During this time, the company was primarily under Coleman Industries' ownership until January 1989, when Tony Wilson, an early Hobie 14 owner, repurchased and reinstated the original Hobie Cat Company name. The 21 SE was specifically engineered as a one-design platform for a professional racing series, reflecting Hobie Cat's commitment to competitive sailing and the vibrant racing culture fostered by its founder.

This focus on racing meant a design optimized for speed and agility. While details on specific designer philosophy for the 21 SE are scarce, Hobie Alter's broader design ethos emphasized beach-launchable, easy-to-handle catamarans that delivered high-performance thrills. The 21 SE, with its fiberglass solid hull and deck construction, along with a fractional sloop rig, clearly aimed for the upper echelons of performance within the Hobie lineup. The later introduction of the Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser variant showcased a desire to extend the boat's appeal beyond pure racing, adding practical amenities for day cruising and weekend adventures. This version featured retractable beams, expanding from 8 feet to 14 feet with wings, further enhancing its versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a performance catamaran with a length overall of 21.25 feet and a reported sail area of 300 square feet, the Hobie 21 SE is known for its impressive speed and engaging handling characteristics. It is described as a high-performance vessel, significantly faster than its smaller siblings, the Hobie 16 or 18. However, this speed comes with a caveat: the 21 SE can be "a handful" in winds of 15-20 knots and is generally not recommended for single-handed sailing in such conditions.

Owners have noted that the 21 SE can be more challenging to depower compared to more modern high-performance catamarans. Its design features centerboards, which contribute to its upwind efficiency, and discussions among owners have explored the potential for even higher aspect ratio daggerboards to further enhance performance. Despite its demanding nature in stronger winds, the Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser's manual suggests that a single adult can sail it at top performance, while a crew of four can cruise comfortably, indicating a balance between its racing pedigree and its potential for more relaxed sailing with company.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a high-performance catamaran, initially for racing, the Hobie 21 SE offers relatively spartan accommodations. The original SE model would have prioritized efficiency and weight savings, providing minimal interior features. However, the subsequent Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser variant introduced elements designed for enhanced utility and comfort, albeit still within the confines of a 21-foot catamaran. This version notably included built-in storage and a cooler, catering to the needs of day sailors and weekenders.

While standing headroom is not a feature expected on a boat of this size and type, the design of the Sport Cruiser aimed to provide enough space and amenities for up to four people to cruise in comfort. Interior layouts would typically be open, with basic provisions for gear storage. The focus remained on maximizing the on-water experience rather than extensive below-deck living spaces, a common characteristic of Hobie's accessible and performance-oriented design philosophy.