HOBIE 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17 ft |
| Beam | 7.92 ft |
| Draft | 1.5 ft/ 0.42 ft min |
| Displacement | 315 lb |
| Material | 17’5.18 m |
Accommodation
| CE category | 783 |
About the HOBIE 17
Intended as a single hander only. Beam with wings: 11.58'. Also available as a sloop with 'sport' package (seen above). Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.
The Hobie 17 is a compact catamaran designed by John Wake and built by Hobie Cat, with production records indicating a start year of 1985. This lightweight vessel, weighing 315.0 lb with a 17.0 ft LOA, is characterized by its rotating spar rig and variable keel configuration.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising, daysailing, and trailerable transport due to its light displacement and shallow 1.5 ft draft. It appeals to single-handers and couples seeking a low-maintenance, easy-to-handle package for protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a high SA/D ratio of 58.12 and a low capsize ratio of 4.66, the Hobie 17 is not designed for bluewater passage-making but is capable of short offshore trips in favorable conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other trailerable catamarans from the 1980s such as the Hobie 16 and Hobie 18, which share similar hull forms and rigging styles. These boats are comparable because they prioritize ease of transport and beaching over heavy offshore capability.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1985–2007 · median $1,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 8 systems for the HOBIE 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HOBIE 17? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 27 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Used sails that fit the HOBIE 17
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