Maybe he flipped his 16 and survival training didn't pay off?

I used to keep a big trash bag on the boat..If I flipped I worked fast to keep from going turtle. I had a long line that I hooked to my harness. I would get the tramp against the wind as much as possible and begin filling the bag..just the motion of trying to lift the bag out the water would usually provide enough pull to get the boat back over. Don't get me wrong by teenager I meant 17-19, not 13 or 14. And there have been times I did need help (real choppy water, water in mast etc.) but generally I was able to do it on my own.

I have nothing against a 14 (used to have one) and in this specific case it may truly be the better of the two choices.. but for my taste I personally have a soft spot for the H16 and it will always be my first suggestion to someone interested in getting into sailing ..and no I'm not one of those "Hobie way of life" people