I based my recommendation (rumination?) mostly on their combined weight of 325. I have sailed many 14, 16, 18 and 20-foot boats. 325 on a Hobie 16 is not as much fun in conditions most new sailors will hazard. I'm not saying it is a bad boat - far from it, as in other threads I whole-heartedly recommend it. In this case, I think the pair in question would enjoy something bigger - the Hobie 18 is a good choice, and the Hobie 20 is, IMO, the pinnicle jib-and-main boat in design and performance; they would grow into it quickly, I think. Is it a technical boat to race? Yes it is, but I also find it a very nice cruiser and more tolerant than the 16.

All recommendations aside, it is a buyer's market - I'm sure they'll find something that suits.