Hobie Cat  Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 boat specs
Hobie Cat
Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987
1987
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VS
Hobie Cat  Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 boat specs
Hobie Cat
Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003
2003
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Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 vs Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 vs Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 measures 21,4 feet overall (1987), giving it roughly 11,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 at 10,2 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 tips the scales at 639 lbs — 474 lbs more than the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 at 165 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 639 lbs for the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and 165 lbs for the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging.

Both the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.

Bottom line: The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 at 21,4 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 at 10,2 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew, trailerable, and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail21.40 ft
Length overall - Detail10.20 ft
Length - Feet21.4
Length - Feet10.2
Length overall - Meters6.52
Length overall - Meters3.11
Length overall - Inches257
Length overall - Inches122
Beam10.00 ft
Beam5.50 ft
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Meters1.68
Beam - Inches120
Beam - Inches66
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Displacement639.00 lbs
Displacement165.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Rudder2 semi-spade rudders
Rudder2 transom hung rudders
Helm1 tiller
Helm1 tiller
Operational Info
TrailerableYes
TrailerableYes
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Mast ConfigurationFore beam stepped mast
Mast ConfigurationFore beam stepped mast
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 vs Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 or the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003?
The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 is the longer of the two at 21,4 feet overall. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 comes in at 10,2 feet, making it roughly 11,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 or the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003?
For trailering, the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 has the edge at 165 lbs dry weight versus 639 lbs for the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 is certified for 3. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
What is the draft of the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987?
The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 draws 3,1 ft. Draft determines which harbours, anchorages, and haul-out facilities are accessible — always verify with your local marina before purchase.
Is the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 or the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 at 639 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 at 165 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 be trailered?
Yes — both the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 are listed as trailerable, which means you can store either at home, launch at different ramps, and avoid marina fees entirely. Confirm rig height against your route's bridge clearances before the first trip.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 measures 120" wide, compared to 66" for the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat 21 SE SE 1987 and the Hobie Cat Hobie Cat Catsy 2003 are built by Hobie Cat. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.