how many people can you put on a 18, and can you put a net infront too? It seems there are a lot of 18s compared to 21s just was wondering the difference in size. I know they have a Getaway but i dont know if i like having no fiberglass? WIsh hobie would make more Cruisers/Racers?
Heck whats the difference once your past 15 knots of boat speed racing cruising, your already faster then every sailboat out there. Unless your looking at competion. π
How many people are you looking to put on the boat? Are you looking to still have performance in the boat after you load it up with people? Don't forget when you add 400-800lbs of people to a 400lb boat the performance is greatly impaired. A H18 with 3 adults sits much lower in the water then with 1 adult. But if you have wings, you can seat 6 people on the wings (3 each side). You will feel like a barge going through the water, but it is a fun party barge if the wind is fairly low. A 21 either the SE or the SC, will hold the extra weight much better, but are much harder to find. Are there cat sailers in your area? Might try hitching a ride and see what you think.
An 18 feels much bigger if it has wings, if you are worried about space and people capacity, I wouldn't look at an 18 without them.
Scott
Hobie 18M in Chicago
I couldnt imagine having 800lb on my 18, I went out the other day with about 650lb's of total crew weight and the boat was a submarine!
The wings add so much to the 18 as far as roominess. Before I had wings the boat felt cramped with just me, crew memebr and a cooler...
Very difficult to have your cake and eat it too. That said I wish I had a Hobie 21.
Terry
Nacra 5.2
Stiletto 23
F-27 catamaran for cruising with people
AC-45 for speed
Mystere 5.5 for island hoping with bikini's onboard, and sailing faster than most other beachcats around
MN3
Trading my 18 with sx wings for a 21se this weekend,
I cant sleep thinking about it.
As you shouldn't. I would consider an SX quite a bit more valuable than a 21.
i have owned an 18 with wings and a 21sc the 21sc is a dog compared to the 18h.
(Trading my 18 with sx wings for a 21se this weekend,
I cant sleep thinking about it.)
Hey Nasamedic,
You will have a blast on your 21SE as I have had on mine since 1989.
Let me know if you need anything. π
captainvic wrote: i have owned an 18 with wings and a 21sc the 21sc is a dog compared to the 18h.
nasamedic mentioned he was trading for a 21se, not 21sc, they are quite different. The 21se has 10 foot beam and taller rig. The 21sc (Sports Cruiser) has extra weight in storage lockers and amenities, 8 foot beam, and basically a Hobie 18 rig. Strictly a family cruiser.
Not a "modern" design compared to the new spin boats but the 21se was created for a Pro Racing Circuit and were meant to be raced with a "deck launch" spin.
With modern material square-top and current type snuffer launched spin the 21se would be a real mile making machine. It's definitely heavy though.
____________
Damon Linkous
OK, so that trade didn't happen. I do have my cross hairs on another. will go to see it this week, i think its an SE model. Just encase that doesn't happen let me know if you hear of one, south east would be the best.
But do I have the 21 bug.....O-ya
Rick Dougal
H18sx
Port Orange fl