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Need help on finding the right Hobie for me
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=48
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Author:  clipper4730 [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 12:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help on finding the right Hobie for me

Hey folks, I currently crew on a Thistle class from time to time but I am a speed freak. so I have decided to go and get myself a Cat. Problem is I don't know a whole lot about the HobieCat. I want a high performance model not a beginner boat that I can race today and go take friends out on at the beach tomorrow. A trapeze system or wings are desirable. Thistles have neither. I have been looking at the FXone, the Tiger, 18SX, and the Miracle20. I know that the 18 fleet is the largest but those also seem to be the most expensive. I also like the fact that the FXone is set up for single handing. Most of all I want to go fast and fly the hull! Anyway any help on this dilemma would be most appreciated.
Clipper 8)

Author:  sunjammers [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 12:50 pm ]
Post subject: 

If your wanting class racing, where you live will be a big factor in what type of boat to get. Where do you live and maybe we can help find out what class is the best around the area. You also need to take into consideration if your going to be soloing it any. The Tiger will be a bit much for one person, however I'm sure it could be done.

Thanks,
Brad Stephens
http://www.sunjammers.com
[email protected]
850-235-2281
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Panama City Beach, FL

Author:  NAHCA555 [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  The Hobie Dilema...

Brad,

Well, if you want wings you will need to go with the 18 mag, or and SX, or add the wings to a std. 18 yourself. The only other boats that come with wings are the 17 and 21's.

If you want a boat to have fun with friends then you should be careful about buying a more "serious" race boat ie: Miracle20, Tiger, FX One, etc as these take a lot more attention on the beach and near other boats... they are MUCH more fragile and you will want to get a set of beach wheels!

Also, I do not know where you got your $$ info, but a good used 18 with wings shold be MUCH less than any of the other boats.

Lastly, no matter WHAT boat you choose, you will go fast and fly hulls on a good day! I think what sunjammers said might play a role in your choice... see what classes are racing strongly around your area, then decide on the boat?...

Personally, I do not consider the Tiger, Miracle or the FX One an everyday boat. These are higher performance with more lines and rigging and less durable, so, if you are more geared toward racing, get a racer! If you are more geared toward racing AND cruising, get an 18...

my 2 cents worth!

Brian

Author:  clipper4730 [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Hobiecats

Thanks for the info! I live in Jacksonville Fl. I had no idea that the higher performance boats were more fragile but I guess it makes sense, they would need to be lighter than the beach cats. The 18 would probably be my best choice but I sure do like the looks of the FXone and the tiger. There also seem to be quite afew of the miracle 20's for sale for around 5k. It seems that most of the 18's for sale are a bit older than I would want. An early to mid nineties 18 would be great. If anyone has a line on one give me a ring.

[email protected]

Thanks again for the info and keep it coming

Author:  MauganH17 [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 9:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Just a note, just because a boat is old, doesn't mean its in poor shape... especially a hobie.

They are quite resilient to aging.... but just as any other purchase, inspect it first... especially for softspots on the deck.

Author:  old school [ Tue Jun 03, 2003 10:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

i agree you need to see wht fleet is active (or building) in your area. The tiger is an incredible ride and quite a handful in the breeze, the 18 would be the most economical but is a dying class. what area are you in?

Author:  Bob Curry [ Wed Jun 04, 2003 1:05 am ]
Post subject:  Fleets - Best cat

Check out Jax Beach Hobie Fleet 111. They have a strong Hobie 18 following!

Bob Curry :wink:

Author:  mwr [ Wed Jun 04, 2003 10:32 am ]
Post subject: 

I love my Hobie 18, but it's greatest strength (durable) is also a flaw (weight). However, I can rig it in 20 min. from the trailer, and put away in about the same time. I have seen Hobie 20's and Tigers take 2 or 3 x as long to rig. If you don't have a private, floating dock from which to launch your boat, rigging time is a significant facto that will determine how often you feel like sailing.
Some of the "Slowest" boats, the H-16's, have by far the most competitive racing- at least in Northern California.
But if you can deal with all of these issues, don't forget the Prindle 18.2 or 19 and the Nacra (sorry Hobiedudes) They have a lot of issues as well, but it might be worth looking at them as an alternate.
In My experience, the Hobie boats have a significant quality advantage over the Performance products when it comes to manufacturing fit and finish. :idea: :idea:

Author:  Dlennard [ Thu Jun 05, 2003 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Which boat to buy

Brain,

You can get wings for the Tiger and I have owned both a Hobie 18 and a Tiger and I think that both boats are equally as strong. The Tiger has an all aluminum mast and huge beams and better rudders ( no slop, better pintels), the hulls are foam core so they will dent easier but are just as strong. The Tigers do cost more though.

Just my thougths
D Lennard

Author:  mwr [ Fri Jun 06, 2003 11:00 am ]
Post subject: 

And they are about half the weight, right?

Author:  vicatman [ Mon Jun 09, 2003 6:26 am ]
Post subject: 

I have had a H-14T...18sx....Fox and a Fx-One......all great boats ......the Tiger is a great boat to.....one thing you have to be sure of CREW....if you dont think you are going to have good reliable crew go for a single hand boat ......I have 2000 Fox sitting covered up cause I never could find crew......lots of money just sitting there...I got my Fx-One last July and have had a great time.....I can go anytime I want and take a rider if someone wants to go sailing...Living here in the Virgin island I can sail pretty much all year round....FX-one is a really fun boat.....

Author:  davidn [ Fri Jun 20, 2003 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  FX1 righting

Vicatman,
How hard is it to right the FX1? We had one enter the Chesapeake 100 last year, tip over and couldn't get righted without help. THey had to drop out of the race.
David
H20

Author:  vicatman [ Fri Jun 20, 2003 5:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

David.
I have flipped mine twice and had no problem righting it......I stand out on the dagger board and lean back.......comes right up.....then again Im 6-1 230,,,that might have something to do with it..but still there sholudnt be any problems righting it..... :roll:

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