Holder 17 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Hobie Cat, a company synonymous with revolutionizing sailing through accessible and performance-oriented designs, the Holder 17 carries forward a legacy of innovation. Hobie Alter, the visionary behind the brand, aimed to democratize sailing, and while primarily known for their iconic catamarans, Hobie also ventured into monohulls like the Holder 17, applying their ethos of ease of use and spirited performance to a different hull form.

History and Design

The Holder 17 began production in 1982, following an earlier version known as the Vagabond 17. Designed by Ron Holder, the boat was conceived as a pocket cruiser and day sailer. Ron Holder's philosophy aimed for designs that were "tough" and capable performers. Hobie Cat promoted the Holder 17 as "comfortable, roomy, and stable". While Hobie Cat is most recognized for its groundbreaking catamarans like the Hobie 14 and Hobie 16, their foray into monohulls such as the Holder 17 demonstrated their commitment to offering diverse sailing experiences. This period saw Hobie Cat, under Coleman Industries until 1989, maintaining its focus on approachable and fun watersports. Production of the Holder 17, in both its Vagabond and Holder configurations, saw fewer than 200 units built between 1982 and 1985. The Holder 17 features a fiberglass hull and deck, with aluminum spars for its fractional sloop rig. Its unique swing keel allows for a shallow draft of 1.67 feet for easy launching and retrieval, extending to 4.17 feet for enhanced sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 950 lbs and a length overall of 17 feet, the Holder 17 falls into the lighter end of its class, suggesting a boat that can be responsive in lighter air. Its sail area to displacement ratio, while less critical for smaller boats, contributes to its ability to accelerate quickly. The boat's ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.36, combined with its wing keel, contributes to its stability and ability to stand up to a breeze, though it's important to remember that such ratios are typically more indicative for larger cruising yachts. The fractional rig, a common feature, simplifies tacking, which is advantageous for both cruising and day sailing.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Holder 17 as a good performer, capable of competing with similarly sized boats. Its relatively flat bottom and swing keel contribute to its stability. It's described as easy to handle and capable of providing thrills in a good breeze, even when single-handed. The design allows for easy trailering and launching due to its comparatively light weight. The theoretical hull speed for the Holder 17 is calculated at 5.19 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact 17-foot length, the Holder 17 is designed to offer a surprising amount of interior space for a boat of its size, aligning with Hobie's promotion of it as "roomy". The cabin model, introduced in 1982, provides a small interior suitable for a pocket cruiser or overnight stays. While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the design prioritizes maximizing usable volume. The interior layout typically includes a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations, and potentially small settees or storage areas in the main salon. Ventilation is aided by two large, sealed windows per side. The construction primarily features fiberglass, often complemented by teak wood trim for a classic marine finish. Storage is typically found beneath bunks and in various nooks, essential for stowing gear on a smaller vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hobie Holder 17 generally appreciate its solid characteristics and ease of use. Many describe it as a fun boat that is well-suited for day sailing and short cruises. Its light weight makes it easily trailerable and simple to launch. The boat is often considered a good option for novices due to its forgiving nature, though some discussions suggest it's not strictly a beginner's boat and can offer engaging performance.

Common areas that owners advise checking on older Holder 17s include the wing pockets for leaks and the mainsail for delamination. Some owners have noted that the original deck fittings may eventually require re-bedding, a common maintenance item for boats of this vintage. Despite these potential issues, the consensus among owners is often positive, with many recommending fixing and sailing these boats due to their enjoyable sailing experience. The active Hobie sailing community and forums also provide a valuable resource for owners seeking advice or sharing experiences.