Hobie Cat Forums

Looking for advice on the current Hobie offerings.

I grew up in the midwest racing/sailing a Hobie 16, mostly solo... but that was 25 years ago. I now live near the Chesapeake in Virginia and am thinking about getting a boat.

I am a big guy (280#), so I probably can right most of the boats.

The primary sailing spot would be on the Rappahannock River, about 15 miles from the Chesapeake Bay. It has sandy beaches, and on "sailing days" it usually blows pretty well. The river is about 3 miles across, and has lots of smaller creeks to investigate.

When I was growing up it was all about the speed, but that is less critical now I am sure. It would be nice to have lots of sail if the wind falls off, to help me get home. However, the faster the boat the further I could cruise... I would usually be single handed, but would occasionally have passenger(s).

I would likely drag the boat to the Florida Keys, Outer Banks, or any other beach spot I was fortunate enough to visit. Taking a camping trip through the Keys would be a definate wish.

Anyway, I am interested in opinions about the different models. I think I would really appreciate having a boat with wings, as it would allow me to go on longer trips in comfort. How does the getaway compare to the 16, and are wings an option on the wildcat? Should I consider a wave? Did they used to have a bigger lineup? Is the Wildcat the same as a hobie 18? Is there an "out of production" boat that fits my needs better than the current models?

I know this is a Hobie forum, but are there other boats I should also consider?


Enough rambling, thanks in advance!

-Ted

I think the best all-around Hobie model would be the H18. You should be able to find one in good condition. It is far more stable than a H16. The Wildcat is a race machine of the F18 formula. For the money spent on it, you'd better be racing it. The largest of the Hobie 'roto-molded' boats, the Getaway, may be suitable. It is only 16' but has straight hulls compared to the H16 rockered hulls.

If you're looking for a monhull and want a fast boat, take a look at the Viper line. The Melges 22 is also a fast boat. But neither is anything like a multihull when it comes to speed, except for planing downwind under a spinnaker.

_________________
Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Thanks, that is in agreement with my general web surfing. The getaway is a possibility, but I would likely be happier with a fiberglass hulled boat.

Because of the environment it will be used (sandy beach), I think I will probably stick with cats. The 16/17/18's all seem to be a reasonable option, but I am really hoping for a boat with wings. So my current thinking (and boat search) will be a h18. When did they stop building them? When did they go on a diet? If I recall correctly the early boats weighed a lot more than the later ones.

Anyone know of one in the Virginia area?

Thanks,
-Ted

If you want speed and power along with some versitility go with a used Tiger. The wings were an option , and I think you can still get a pair. Plenty of power on light wind days , able to de power well on high wind days. Furling jib can help and then just flatten out the main and go. A used Tiger will be less than half a Wildcat.

I'm 6'2" 260 and I can pull the Tiger up by myself, and with some work can also single had and fly the spin down wind.

The 18 is also a great boat and there are many Magnum and SX with the wings.

Wildcat $ 23,000 ??
Used Tiger about $7,000 to $12000
Used H-18 $2,000 and up

Used boats depend on condition and what comes with them.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

I had never even heard of the tiger... thanks.

The optimum boat length is 16'-18'. Given your size 16'-18' is it. The good range of wind conditions is 5 mph to 20 mph and those size boats will give you an enjoyable sail, no lugging down.

The rest of it is a question of how much fiddling with gear and tweaking you are in the mood for. The H16 no doubt has the most innovations for efficient rigging and good average cost. Parts cost and the costs of whatever other specialty rigging that you want are a part of the equation.

It looks like there are two types of sailors: the low-maintenance, hey-let's-just-get-on-the-water, what-the-heck, use-some-duct-tape-on-that-would-ya kinds and the those who want the more high tech controls. Which are you ?

_________________
Wave
FX-1
Do you want me to tell you for the 1,000,001 time! The Wave...

JJ, by nature I am probably a high tech controls guy, however the cabin environment heavily favors the low-maintenance items. The salt air and constant weather is tough on things, we are somewhat "exposed". Mine is the place which has the "boat wake artifact" leaving the boathouse on the creek side, I guess this satellite picture was taken right after I left for fishing.

My plan is to keep the boat on the beach when I am down there, and pull it up on the "high ground" when I am not.

The Tiger was the F-18 that Hobie sold till 2010 when the Wildcat came out.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

That tiger is a fine looking boat. Cursory glance about doesn't show any in my neighborhood. Will start looking. Is it difficult to "spin" solo?

My understanding is the the H18 is a very strong boat that can take lots of beach abuse. For storage I will have to drag a boat up over a pretty big bank. I am sure I will get some rollers and possibly a hand winch to make this easier, but are the tiger hulls as tough as the older 18?

Regarding the Tiger, are there any years to look for? I assume newer is better, but are there any years to avoid?

How about the 18? Are there certain models to look for? Which had wings?

Sorry for the noob questions, haven't paid much attention to these things in a long time.

For simplicity, nothing wrong with a Getaway. The rotomoulded hulls can take lots of dragging and bashing. Sure the performance is not at the same level as a fibreglass boat, but the price it right, and you can take four adults on board.

Hobie18Rich is right, a Tiger or an H18. H18's went out of production in 2005 (not enough sales), and is IMHO the best 'all round' boat, with its mixture of strength, performance and longevity. No, its not the newest boat, and certain newer designs means some of the newer boats can go faster....but it still goes. Add wings, and you could not want for more.

Search the Forum for 'what to look for' when buying an old 18. Delam is a problem.

I've sailed Tigers too, great boats, very fast and slick, love that spin. However, they have deeper daggers, so watch out when you come to shore or go shallow...don't ask how I know. I do know where Hobie18Rich sold his old daggers....and I hope to be invited to sail that Tiger again. Might cost me a few beers. Wings are available for the Tiger....last price I heard was US1,900 a set, although with US$ falling, may well be more.

Karl B, would you suggest wings on a Tiger?

Happy hunting.

_________________
1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

+1 for the H18

It is my understanding [input from those in the know, please] that the Tiger and Wildcat use foam sandwich hull construction all the way around the hull...even on the bottom. Whereas the H18 has that nice beefy solid glass laminate section on the bottom, extending partway up the sides. Heavier...but takes more beach abuse / rough landings.

There is a 1990 18-SX around here that needs some work. The main items needed would be main, rudders, tramp. It has a new jib and spin. Is this a good year?

Are these realistic replacement price estimates?

sail - $1500
rudders - $500 (EPO2???)
tramp - $500


Are EPO2 rudders worth the extra bucks? If I am not concerned about class rules and racing, what is a good sail choice?

I also see a good deal on a loaded Hobie 17 with wings, spin, etc. How do these compare to the 18?

The 18 SX is a good boat.

Same mast height as the Tiger at 29.5. Beam is a little shorter 8.6ft Tiger 8.0ft H-18.

On the Tiger the upgrades were moved tramp from bottom to top of ftont cross bar. ( hard to notice this difference) Rudders upgrades and furling jib removed for 2008. You don't need the new set up if your not seriously racing.

I have owned a H-18 and a H-18 magnum (with wings) 10 years betweeen the 2 for racing and fun sailing. The Tiger I have had since mid 2007 so 4 years now. I never liked sailing with the wings unless you have long runs or tacks. If your going to be sailing when you have to tack alot and trap out they can be a pain.

Between the boats I have owned the Tiger by far is my favorite to sail. It is a little more fragile than the H-18 but it's pretty robust. Definately want a set of beach wheels for coming up the beach on either boat.

Setting the spin single handed I'll do it up to about 15 in wind speed. Just pull the tack out, then drop the tiller, hoist, grab the tiller , then grab the spin sheet and go.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

17 lower in the water very low boom to tramp clearance. nice single hand boat. Kick up center boards instead of daggers.

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/