So after much (for me) deliberation, we decided on Boat 3 - the solid hulled 1970s boat with every (for me probably overkill) bell and whistle. I duly sent an email to the owner of Boat 2 (original owner, sold yellow hulls, TS sails, etc) letting him know that we had found another boat, and that BTW we had seen (on CL) several boats similar to his in condition for less money; I was not going to insult him with a low-ball offer. He emailed back to ask if we would buy at $1,500. I discussed it with my father in law (experienced Hobie sailor and general bon vivant) and he figured that we would probably need to put at least $800-1,200 into Boat 2 to get her "ready" (for what, I don't exactly know). So I sent the owner an email with a counter of $1,100 (and the "ready" rationale) and he accepted.
So I am now the proud owner of a 1981 Hobie 16. The boat came on a good condition Shoreline trailer (with the exception that the lights did not work for the drive that began in darkness at 5:30a at Lake Tahoe and ended 700+ miles and 12 hours later near Portland, OR - without a ticket or an accident!).
I intend to take her this week to the (only) local Hobie dealer and ask them to spend +/- an hour with me going over the boat in detail, to determine what must and what could be replaced, with the enticement that I will order all the musts (and probably a lot of coulds) from the rather than the web. Should be a sale of $500+ for an hour's work. Interested to see how they'll respond...
Below are some (OK, lots of) pictures that I took tonight, together with some (OK, lots of) questions. Your feedback and expertise is appreciated!
1- The hull stamp - it's a 1981 alright (but what about the TS sails - from a 1978 boat?)
2 - Sloppy but "thorough" caulking around the pylons - what should I use to remove this, and what should I replace it with?
3 - Ditto on the caulking around the drain plugs and gudgeons - same question.
4 - Damage aft on starboard hull deck - how would you repair this?
5 - OEM (I think) jib cars and tracks - replace, and if so, with what?
6 - Small cracks near port shroud connection to hull - problem? Recommended repair?
7 - Gouge on starboard hull deck. How to repair? Serious or minor?
8 - Connection on tiller for extension (missing in action). Recommendation for extension (aluminum or fiberglass, brand) - and do I need to update connection?
9 - Sloppy and "thorough" caulking at base of mast. Recommendations on removal and replacement?
10 - More caulking on mast - same Q's.
11 - Brokern jib (I think cleat) on mast. Screws instead of rivets - problem to replace?
12 - Mast base.
13 - Mast step.
14 - Can you ID this "newish" tramp, and should I keep or replace (the bungee lacing is toast)? What brand(s) to replace?
15 - Full body shot.
... and up close