Hobie FX One Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Hobie FX One in 2005 marked Hobie Cat's continued commitment to the performance catamaran segment, building on its legacy of iconic designs. While Hobie Alter himself pioneered many of the brand's initial groundbreaking models, the FX One was designed by Greg Goodall, known for his work on high-performance skiffs like the 49'er and 29'er. The primary goal for the FX One was to deliver pure fun and competitive performance, whether sailed solo or with a crew of two.

Hobie's manufacturing ethos, which relies on fiberglass for its performance-oriented models, is evident in the FX One's solid fiberglass hull construction. The design incorporates a "radical bow" that is intended to pierce waves efficiently without burying, and the boat features a flat bottom design. While the core design remained consistent, some variations in production included options for a roller furling jib and an asymmetric spinnaker, as well as different jib halyard materials, such as rope instead of steel. The boat shares many characteristics with its larger performance siblings, the Hobie Miracle and Hobie Tiger, indicating its position within Hobie's racing lineup.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 17-foot catamaran with an 8.25-foot beam and a lightweight displacement of just 340 pounds, the Hobie FX One is inherently designed for speed and responsiveness. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with twin daggerboards and rudders, allows for precise control and efficient hydrodynamics. With a reported sail area of 172 square feet, the FX One is known for being a very reactive boat, offering a "great feel" on the water.

Sailors consistently praise the FX One for being "pure fun to sail," whether single-handed or with two crew. Its radical bow design helps it cut through waves effectively, preventing the bow from burying in certain conditions, and allowing the forward three feet of the hull to ride clear of the water on some points of sail. While it offers exciting performance, some owners note that, like many high-performance catamarans without mast floats, it can be challenging to right if capsized in high winds. It is considered a technical boat, appealing to experienced sailors who appreciate its agility and competitive nature.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a lightweight, high-performance beach catamaran, the Hobie FX One offers no interior accommodations or headroom in the traditional sense. The focus of the layout is entirely on the open deck, providing a platform for active sailing. The deck is optimized for crew movement and efficient sail handling, featuring the necessary hardware for its fractional sloop rig, including main, jib, and optional asymmetric spinnaker. While there is no cabin, owners sometimes consider adding inspection ports to the hulls for access. The design prioritizes minimal weight and maximum performance over any cruising comforts, consistent with Hobie's heritage of accessible, thrilling beach cats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hobie FX One frequently highlight its robust construction and the "solid and sound" feel of its components. The boat is consistently praised for its exhilarating performance and the sheer enjoyment it provides, making it a favorite for those seeking a fast and reactive sailing experience. Its ability to be sailed effectively single-handed or with a second person is also a significant advantage.

However, some common points raised by owners pertain to the challenges associated with high-performance catamarans. Issues such as the mast being heavy and the general difficulty of righting any catamaran without mast floats in high winds are noted. While it excels as a performance boat, owners caution that the FX One is not ideal for casual family cruising or carrying heavy loads, suggesting larger Hobie models like the Getaway or Hobie 16 for those purposes. Moving the boat on land typically requires the use of beach rollers. Despite these considerations, the collective sentiment is that the FX One delivers on its promise of an engaging and rewarding performance sailing experience.