Crew Weight

What is the max weight anyone has had on their Hobie 16? What is the recommendation for weight as far as crew? I saw in the specs for the H16 that it has a capacity for 800 pounds, but I was thinking that also includes things like mast and rigging, sails and whatnot, so I am wondering, peoplewise, what is the max load. I have a family member who wants to sail and he's a heavy person. I would love to take him sailing because he's never been sailing ever so, I just want to know what the actual capacity of an H16 would be.

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Marty
1984 H16 Yellow Nationals Redline, "Yellow Fever"
Lake Martin, 'Bama.

You could "sail" with 800 lbs of crew. Choose a light wind day. Best at around 250 or so. You need some weight to hold it down in windy conditions. The racing minimum weight is 285 lbs.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thank you Mr Miller, helpful as always.

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Marty
1984 H16 Yellow Nationals Redline, "Yellow Fever"
Lake Martin, 'Bama.

I have sailed with 4 adults back when I was about 210. There were 2 males and 2 females so we were probably around 650 lbs total. It was slow to accelerate and manuever but seemed to handle it ok. I have also had 5 youth and myself aboard in light air so probably around the max of 800 or so. They were all between 17-18 years old and one was female. Anyway it is not the most ideal condition for sailing but doable.