Hobie 14 turbo vs Dart 15

On a Hobie 14 (I've got one), you don't really want a spinnaker, you want a sail called a hooter (essentially a reacher). I makes for a trully brilliant if a little terrifyring ride. It can be used upwind in a light wind, and downwind all the time. I have photos of my setup for this sail and for a normal turbo if anyone wants it. 

I had a dart 18 spinnanker on my 14 for quite awhile, it use to go like a rocket!

The dart spinny was very easy to fit as well, since most of the bits tied on, with no modifications needed. Also there pretty cheap second hand.

In theory it could be done, but to be honest I'm not sure how much a conventional 14 differs from a turbo, whether there is any extra hull reinforcements for example.

As a guess I would say you would need to find a forestay with a rotating bit at the top, a furler, bridle wires, jib blocks, wire for the jib blocks to attach to, and obviously a jib.

You might have to get 2 eyelets punched into the tramp as well, for where the jib blocks come through.

Hi Rory,

I've been sailing my H14 for a few years now, and I still think it is one of the best cats you can sail.

They are very lively/exciting though in a blow, and will happily capsize in just about any manor, particularly going over backwards whilst tacking! They are easy to write on your own though. However they can surprise a lot of newer boats and in particular can give a H16 a good run for its money.

Their pretty low maintenance, mine even has plastic rudders so minimal fibre glass repairs. The hulls are tough as old boots and don't mind being dragged/sailed up the beach.

Go for a turbo if you can find one as the jib makes a world of difference for tacking and downwind sailing.

Rory

If you mean sailed up the beach like some 14/16 sailors do to show off then the dart wouldnt last long hobies are bullet proof in build quality and can take a battering the sprint 15 is a bit less robust both boats have their merits just depends what you wish to use it for another option if you are looking for a single hander well several options hobie 17, dart 18 unirig ,inter17, stealth I had a h17 when first got into cats great boat and cheap as chips if you can find one

all depends on your budget and size really and what you want from it

ps i sail at dalgety bay and the guys at royal tay are friendly too if you fancy a go on the T send me a pm and we can arrange a time