Info on the H14 Turbo?

Hi, new forum member here! Looking to buy a Hobie 14 turbo on craigslist, and I want to get to know more about it first.
The main things I was wondering about are performance issues and ideal weight (double-handed).

For performance, I read that the hull design and forward mast often cause pitchpole, and that tacking is awkward on one of these, esp without a jib. This is what wikipedia says, so i don't know if it's true.

Weight-wise, I'm 125lbs, and I'll be sailing with a 160lbs-ish person, so will we still be around the ideal weight range?

Thanks! If I manage to get this H14T (it's good shape btw), then I'll be visiting this forum a lot in the future to report in.

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Typical day of fleet racing:
"Puff, Puff, Pass."

I haven't sailed my Hobie 14 in many years, but I remember the pros and cons that were important to me. At 125 and 160 lbs., the two of you can sail this boat, but it is really more for one person less than 165 lbs. I would not put two people totaling more than about 280 to 300 lbs. on it. This really isn't a big deal to many individuals, but when you capsize, I think you need at least 165 lbs. (145 in theory) to right it without added equipment. The thing I enjoyed about my 14 was that it was even easier to rig and launch by myself than the 16, but really, the 16 is easy enough. As for pitch poling, I've done it many times on my 14. This might be a factor of skill, but I can't remember ever pitch poling a 16.

Since you're looking at a turbo, I'd say get it if the price is right. I don't think tacking is a problem as long as you have a jib. Without the jib, the 14 is too difficult trying to beach launch in waves with an onshore wind. Make sure that if it was converted to a turbo from a uni, that it has the important upgrades like the dolphin striker.

All things considered, I like the H14T. For two light people, it's a toss up between that and the 16. For two med. to heavy people, I would recommend the 16.

I see now, the H14 in general is limited in regards to overall weight, particularly when there's a crew or if the total weight exceeds about 300lbs. Does it hurt when you pitchpole? I mean, you're being yanked from the traps, but people at the yacht club I used to go to don't think much of it. They say it just happens.

Btw, the H14T does have the striker and traps, but someone else already took interest in it before me. I'm thinking the $950 tag did it...

_________________
Typical day of fleet racing:
"Puff, Puff, Pass."