Hobie Cat Forums

Hi there. I am new to hobies but not to multihulls and am looking to purchase a used Hobie.
What should I be looking out for as far as problems with used boat?
Can a used 1981 be as good as a used 2000?
I have a ramp in my yard can i launch by myself?
My sailing area is shallow, sometimes 1 foot to 2 foot is that OK?

thanks for any advise.

rbc

Yes and No. There is nothing like a new boat where, light, quick, and oh yea, everything works. But then again I have seen some nice 1981. If you are just going to be messing around behind your house then I would get which ever fits your budget. If you buy a used one be careful it isn't missing anything major, you could spend as much as a new boat if your not careful. One person can launch the boat w/o a problem. I would suggest leaving it rigged w/o sails in you yard and getting a pair of cat trax to launch it with. Let me know if you have any questions!


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com <----new site
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Hobie Division 15 Chairman
info@sunjammers.com
850-235-2281
Panama City Beach, FL

In my opinion , a well kept older 16 can be every bit as good as a newer boat. The later boats have better hardware, though. I have an 84 16(since it was new) which I regularly rig and sail solo. Except for cosmetics( dings,scratches and fading of the gelcoat) she's as tight as a new boat- and waaaaay cheaper! Most of the newer used boats in my area appear to have been abused by people who don't know how to sail them-ie. serious dings, damaged sails, etc. As far as sailing in 1 to 2 feet of water- you'll have a hard time steering if the wind gets up! That sounds a little shallow to be able to get the rudders locked down. The area in which I sail is shallow too, but I,m able to quickly sail to reasonably deep water
Hope this helps- Dave

I had a customer cut down a pair of rudder blades so they would lock down in shallow water, I never heard of him sailing it didn't work so that might be worth a try. Cut from the bottom as the top is reinforced for strength.


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com <------new site!
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Division 15 Chairman
Panama City Beach, FL
brad@sunjammers.com
850-235-2281

Brad- How much do you think I could cut off and still control the boat in higher winds? Shoal draft (?) rudders would sure be helpful in the sound where I sail.- Dave

I have no Idea how much you can take off w/o effecting performance. I just had a customer do it and they never said anything about it. If you were going to do it I would take off as little as possible, you can always take off more.


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com <------new site!
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Division 15 Chairman
Panama City Beach, FL
brad@sunjammers.com
850-235-2281

Gents thanks for the replies.
i like the idea of trimming the length of rudders for shallow waters.
When i get my cat i will let you know how the trim job goes.
Any good sites for finding used Hobies in South Fla. besides boat trader.??

RBC

Your classifieds in you local news paper if a good start. Talk to you local Hobie dealer. Catsailor.com, TheBeachCats.com, Sunjammers.com as well as this site have classifieds. The last 3 are free, place a want ad if you don't find one.


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com <------new site!
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Division 15 Chairman
Panama City Beach, FL
brad@sunjammers.com
850-235-2281

You might also watch e-bay. Hobies and parts seem to go for pretty reasonable prices especially in the off season. I bought my 14t off there- excellent freshwater boat, cheap, too! Good luck- Dave

As far as trimming the rudders go I would have to advise against it. Even thought the hulls of the 14 and 16 are asymetrical, the rudders still provide much of the lateral resistance. So unless you want extreme weather helm or want to sail around (slow) with the sheets out all the way I would look for deeper water. By the way, I only need less 2 feet of water for my 14T, so how shallow are you planning on sailing.

I would not suggest just cutting down your rudder if there is a way to sail in deeper water. Yes, you will loss some control and pointing ability but not nearly as much as sailing with you rudders kicked up.


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Hobie Division 15 Chairman
info@sunjammers.com
850-235-2281
Panama City Beach, FL