You will have fun on a Hobie 17 in the bay or the ocean. It is very weight sensitive, but you are perfect at 155 (class min is 160). It is a very sturdy boat, as proof I suggest you read the thread on the Hangover Regatta from last year in the Gulf of Mexica, Dunedin FL
Hangover Regatta 2010
Winds built to 25 gusting to 40 and less than 1/2 the boats finished. A Hobie 17 not only finished the race, but also won the high portsmouth division.