Best years for a used Hobie 18 ?

I am looking for a used Hobie 18 to race. What years and sail numbers should I be looking for? I have heard the rudder gudgins changed in '87 or so, is that correct? Are there any other major changes I need to consider? I am also considering the 20, there seem to be slightly smaller fleet of 20's in my area (Colorado/New Mexico) but I would think the 20 fleet will be growing while the 18's might not.
Tips appreciated and rewarded with beer back on the beach.
Rocky

Avoid 1986 - 1988 - weak hulls with a nasty habit of failing at the front cross bar. See this post on catsailor:

http://www.catsailor.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Test&Number=40102&Forum=All_Forums&Words=hobie%20bad%20weeked&Match=Or&Searchpage=3&Limit=25&Old=6months&Main=39150&Search=true#Post40102

Other than that bad patch they are great boats. But then again so are the Hobie 20's

Chris.

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2008 Hobie Tiger

I'm in the market for an 18, so thanks for the tips and the link. Regarding the photos of broken hulls in the catsailor link, how does a hull break in half like that? Where is the stress coming from?

You have the hulls supporting the entire forestay load on the bridle. There is no "really far forward" crossbar to help with this. So the front part of the hull is cantileverd and supporting all that load. Then, by adding wings you increase your righting moment and add more tension to the forestay, therefore more to the hulls.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Hey Rocky,

Look at the Division 5 results in the 2005 rankings

http://www.hcana.hobieclass.com/default ... gs/10818/0

Click on Hobie 18 and scroll over to Division 5...if you want to race an 18 you're in the right part of the country.

Rumor has it your Division or 14 is bidding for next years' Nationals.

I've found the eighteen sailors is our area and damn glad, the 18 is a great boat.

We'll get to a 20 eventually, enjoy an 18 while they're still around.

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297