I was 13 and the neighbor kid was 17. His dad had got a Hobie 16 at an auction. They taught me the basics on how to sail a cat.

My dad suprised me with an old Hobie 14 the following summer. The sails were shot, but it was a solid boat. We cleaned it up and I sailed the hell out of that thing for 2-3 years. We have the following boats since:
Hobie 18mag
Hobie 17se
Hobie Wave
Hobie 14 Turbo (factory Turbo I found)

We have since sold all those boats. He sails a Getaway and I sail a Nacra now. Our boats are still parked on the same beach every summer and we are always looking for a new project.

Dad buying me that original Hobie 14 was the best thing anyone ever did for me. I agree that the Hobie 14 and 16 are pain's in the butt. That being said, I wouldn't have it any other way.