HOBIE CAT 17 ! RARE FIND! Mesh Tramp, Harken Rigging, WINGS, Trapeze, Trailer

Description

1986 Hobie 17 Catamaran w/ Trailer
The Hobie 17 was introduced in 1985 as the new, hi-tech single-handed boat to fill the market niche of the Hobie 14. Many new concepts were introduced on the 17:
Integral hiking / trapeezing wings
Spring-loaded pivoting daggerboards controlled with a single line
Mylar / Dacron taffeta sails
First Hobie to be designed with a Comptip
New rudder castings that would be retrofitted to the 18 and be standard on all future models.
The boat was an immediate success! It's very fast, very light and completely manageable for a single sailor. The wings provide the outward displacement to attain the highest speeds in the lightest winds.
BRAND NEW TRAMP
BRAND NEW Trap-Lines
Sail is in great condition
The spring mechanism for the single-line daggerboards is flawless
Trailer is road-ready with new wheels/tires
This is a rare Hobie - very hard to find, period. In this condition - impossible. The wings are very light and are easily removable - do not require any hardware. They simply slide into the hull-holes. Exquisite design.
Asking $2,950, obo. I've been sailing and racing Hobie Cats (16, 17, 17SX and 18) for over 40 years. I do take the time to upgrade each Hobie to race-rigged condition. This boat is prepared appropriately. With the new, mesh tramp, this boat is amazing and will give the new owner years of fun.
Questions :847-971-8487
Sailing Characteristics
The 17 is a heavy air machine. The added leverage of the wings for trapezing makes the 17 go upwind like no other catamaran, and the main is easily depowered with a 6:1 downhaul, the mast rotator, 2:1 outhaul and a 7:1 mainsheet. Downwind, the boat is pitchpole resistant (not "proof") and a bit underpowered, which makes working the waves a high priority. Downwind, the boat is sailed at 90° to the apparent wind. The 17 is uncomfortable to race in under 7 knots of breeze, since most of the time you'll be sitting on the forward wing tube. Weight is kept as far foward as possible while keeping the bow tips out of waves and to keep from pitchpoling. In very light air downwind, racers will often stand out on the bow, holding on to the bridle wire to keep the sterns out of the water. Raising the windward rudder downwind is a common practice.
ISAF Status International Class
Construction Fiberglass / Foam Sandwich
No. of Crew 1 (For Class-Racing)
Designer John Wake / Hobie Cat
National Origins USA
Year Designed 1985
Approx Number Built 5,000
Number of Trapeze Single
Hull Length 17 ' / 5.18 m
Beam 8′ / 2.41 m
Draft (rudder up) 5″ / 0.254 m
Mainsail Area 168 sq. ft. / 15.62 m2
Sail Material Mylar / Dacron taffeta
Centerboards Spring loaded retractible
Boat Weight 330 lbs / 149.7 kg
Max Load 400 lbs. / 181 kg


Asking $2,950, obo. MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW ! We'll be sailing this weekend.
I've been sailing Hobie Cats for over 40 years. This is an excellent, ready-to-sail rig with many very nice upgrades to make your sailing easy, fast and reliable.Any questions - please don't hesitate to call, text or email. 847-971-8487.
Boat and trailer are located in Culver, IN.