Just basic things on a H14 and 16 make a nice difference. I know a fellow that has customed out an H14 turbo, loose footed sail, square top Pentex, adjustable downhaul, etc..

Changes that need to be made to the H16 design:

1. Adjustable downhaul, 5:1 and lesser.
2. New boom assembly for a loose footed sail.
3. Ball in socket mast step which will allow for adjustable mast rotation.

The Hobie 16 is a fun boat and even with all of these changes, it still will not be very competitive with the other boats in the 16 foot classes. It was designed to be a beachcat, not a race boat.

Personally I think the 16 is on it's last leg. It was a great one design class, but the formula boats will dominate in the future. Plus a Nacra 570 is easier to handle, beach, holds more people, priced the same and is faster.