I don't know the direct answer but the 16 was built to be sailed and uprighted by a crew of two at a combined total weight of something like 260 lbs (not sure) Rumour, and an article in Playboy ca 1970, have it that Hobie figured on an "ideal" California couple which was a young woman at about 110 and a young guy at about 140
The 17 was built to be single handed and uprighted with an ideal weight of something like 160 lbs. (Matt can give us the numbers I'm sure)
I know that I have sailed a 16 with three insane but full sized men plus myself (not that I did not say "grown" men
) and I even took about a dozen first graders at one time. It was all good. On the other hand, if I go out on the 17 with another adult it gets tough without good wind and if I take 3 seventh graders it is all I can do to keep it going- not to mention that it is impossible to tack.
Good question though. Sail on