If you buy the 14 then,
you can raise the mast yourself with no help if needed
you can right the boat even fron turtle by yourself
you can drag it in the sand to the water by yourself
If you sail with only one person on the boat then when it comes to racing with a friend 90% of your speed is due to the captain and 10% is due to the boat ( 14 vs 16 )
The cost is less on a 14 vs 16

Sorry guys but a 14 has lot of plus' if you are new to Hobies and you are not a person who only attends races.