I had 2 Hobie 17s. One I bought new - it was a 1988 I bought in 1990. The local Hobie dealer sold it to me as a "family boat" when I expressed concern the 16 might be too small, but I was concerned about righting the 18 by myself. He went out of business soon after that - he was just trying to unload it.
It was ok for my wife and me and the 3 kids when they were small, but none of us are big people, and I'd never sailed a cat before so I didn't really know the difference. The wings are great! The deck sweeping boom isn't. The small volume hulls aren't either.
When I sailed it by myself, it was an absolute blast. When the kids got bigger I sold it and went through a variety of monohulls. Then I found a good deal on a used H-17. Looked ok to me, so I bought it. Big mistake. Hulls leaked a ton, I think through the centerboard trunks. Had a side shroud break and the mast came down. I replaced the standing rigging, gooped epoxy around the C-board trunks, and sold it. Now I have a Getaway that I love, although I liked the wide wings on the 17 better.
Great solo boat, OK with another person if you are both medium to small. 3 or 4 adults? It's not like it sinks, but it is so low, the tramp is dragging and it's just not much fun. But girls love to lay out on the wings and tan, so THAT is fun.
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