1983 H-18, Is this one of the heavy H-18's ?

HI,

I did all kinds of research to determine what cat to buy.

I thought the lighter H-18 was 1983 or newer. So, I bought an 83. Then I went to a site that said the lighter 18's are 1984 and newer.

I was seriously bummed because I'm not seriously strong and we want this for a beachcat, to keep on the beach and launch from the beach in Santa Barbara.

So, I was on the phone with Murray's and was told that they always heard that the cutoff was 1982 or newer.

Now I'm just confused. Does anyone know for a fact, not what they read on the internet, what I have? Is it one of the lighter ones or not?

My Hobie is hull # CCMH7445M83B .

I was told that the "83" after the "M" is the year, but again, how much does this weigh?

Lastly, what do the heavy H-18's weigh and what do the lighter ones weigh?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

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Mike

I iirc the difference is 35 lbs

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Bruce
78 Hobie 18
#1159

The weights changed in '84. Your boat was made in the second month of the 1983 model year (B), so it was probably made in October of 1982.

Your boat probably weighs between 420 - 450. Boats tend to gain weight as they grow older.

I'm not particularly strong, either and I have no problems moving my 400 lb Tiger around by myself. I use a good set of beach wheels (not home made).

You need to stop obsessing about the boat weight and go sailing!

My 1982 weighed in @ 435#at the 2001 Nationals, My 1988 weighed in @ 411# at the 2003 Nationals
If your only concern is with the weight of the boat as you are moving it around on the beach, take the Daggerboards off when you are moving it, and there's your difference.

At the Clear Lake nationals, the Heaviest Hobie 18 in the event was one that had been badly damaged and poorly repaired, it weighed about 465# and his two best finishes were in the lightest air races. If you let the actual weight of the boat get into your head, you are only messing with yourself. I lose way more in one bad tack than I ever give up because of a boat that is a few pounds heavy.

As Matt said, quit worrying about it and enjoy sailing the boat.

Stephen

Obviously I have been stressing about this.

I've been looking for some hard facts because I had read that there was almost a 200 pound difference between the early and late boats.

Apparently, this is FAR from the truth.

Once again, we should be reminded not to believe everything you read on the internet.

I accept the admonishment to quit stressing and start sailing.

Perhaps that should be my new motto!!!

Thanks Guys !!!

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Mike

Be glad you have that year boat.The weight difference is nominal but the structural integrity is better on the year boat you have.It will take more beach abuse before you need to glass the bottoms.
gofastshawn
82 H18#8211
Div3