I hate to ask questions that have probably been answered many times.
I have read through many of the posts but have some specific questions that I haven't found the answers to yet.
I already own a Catalina 25 cabin boat. I am looking for a 2nd boat & have been considering both a Hobie 14 or a 17.

I am really looking for a boat that is easy to launch with no assistance from a 2nd person.
I would mostly be sailing this boat by myself.
I weight 165 pounds.
I am looking for simplicity & getting on the water as soon as possible more than anything.

1. How long does it take to rig either boat with the mast completely down?
2. If I was to get either boat I would keep it at Carlyle in Illinois that has a grassy area with the large wheels to launch on the beach with. Any noticeable differences between launching the 17 over the 14 because of size / weight?
3. Are these two boats going to sail completely different ?

Thanks much for any comments !

1) The rig on the 17 is larger, heavier. The process / time to rig is very similar.

2) The 17 is heavier, but still manageable for one person.

3) The 14 is best for crew of about 150. The 17 sails really well at 185 lb crew. You are a little heavy for the 14. There is a large performance difference between the H14 and H17.

Personally, if I had the two side by side... I'd sail the 17 every time.

Why not store the boat in the cat yard, with the mast up? Then the difference in rigging time will be insignificant.

There are several 17 sailors at Carlyle already (a key to learning any boat), you'll find most sailors very helpful to newcomers.

Not sure how steep the "ramp" to the water is from the grass yard. Contact the cat fleet and ask them if you can drag up a 17 by yourself.

Why not go for a 16? They are more readily available and still easy to singlehand. You may need a bucket for righting after a tip, but it's pretty easy still, once you get the hang of
it. Good luck!

Thanks much for the suggestions.
I will let you know what I do once I pull the trigger on a boat.

Regards,
Christopher