Design and Construction
The Hobie 17 is a centerboard catamaran with solid-fiberglass hulls and deck. It weighs 315 pounds and has a beam of 7.92 feet. Draft is 0.42 feet with the boards up and 1.5 feet with them lowered, making the boat suitable for beach launching and trailering.
Its waterline measures 16.67 feet, with a stated hull speed of 5.47 knots. The long hulls and large sail area give the boat its sports-cat character, although the combination of long hulls and large sail surfaces is sometimes difficult to manage for one person. A Turbo variant also exists.
Rig and Handling
The cat rig carries 168 square feet of sail. A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 58.06 and a capsize ratio of 4.66 mark the Hobie 17 as a lively beach catamaran. A 6:1 downhaul is offered.
Multihulls World described the large sail area as difficult to manage for one person in strong winds and choppy seas. The boat can be sailed by two, or singlehanded in light winds. Solo limits come down to sail area versus weight and the real possibility of capsizing, after which the lone sailor must right the boat.
Accommodations and Use
This is a minimalist day-sailing catamaran rather than a boat with conventional accommodations. Its comfort ratio of 1.84 reflects that intent. The light 315-pound displacement and 0.42-foot board-up draft also suit trailering and beach use.
Ownership and Refit Support
Hobie provides assembly manuals for the 17 and 17 Sport, along with parts guides in English and French. Other available documentation and support include board-spring replacement instructions and a gooseneck update kit.
Options include Bob and Mama Bob mast floats, an Easy Rite righting aid, an upright part, a motor mount, and a universal cover for 14- to 17-foot boats.
The Verdict
The Hobie 17 is a purpose-built sports catamaran for two-person sailing or light-air singlehanding. Its cat rig, low weight, and beachable centerboard configuration give it a clear recreational focus. The main limitation is equally clear: in stronger winds and choppy water, its large sail area and long hulls can overwhelm a lone sailor, who may then have to right the boat without assistance.
Pros
- Light, 315-pound solid-fiberglass catamaran
- Shallow 0.42-foot board-up draft suits beach launching and trailering
- Sailable by two or singlehanded in light wind, according to a period review
- Factory manuals and parts support, including board-spring replacement instructions
Cons
- Large sail area and long hulls can overwhelm a lone sailor in strong, choppy conditions
- A capsize while sailing solo requires physical righting, with no assisted recovery noted
