Thank you all for your constructive comments.
We've passed on boat 1 (crunchy hulls) and boat 2 ($2,000 for a 1978 boat with all original gear but solid hulls).
I've read different things on this and other forums re: H16s. Some people say that a boat that costs less than, say $1,000, is rubbish and not worth the effort, because of the time and cost of getting it safe and sail ready. Others say that the 70s boats have the solid hulls, so if you can find those, you can build up a nice boat on their foundation. And still others say they would not buy a 70s boat at any price.
If I'm devil's advocate. Say I can find some really, really good condition late 70s hulls, with a good tramp frame. And say I paid no more than a few hundred dollars for them.
Should I: buy a used trailer, new(ish) comp tip mast, rudders, trampoline, sails, standing rigging, lines and sheets, blocks, etc to make her water safe. Wouldn't my total cost come out at close to $2,500 or more?
Or Should I: recognize that the old hulls will eventually totally fail, and not bother with new(ish) components, and just build it up with safe and useful but not "top line" equipment? Wouldn't my total cost come out at close to $1,500?
Or Should I: buy new (this is actually not an option, as I do not have $11,000, or even half that amount, to spend).
As an aside, here on the West Coast, there are lots of old 1970s H16s for sale between $700 and $2,500 - take from that what you will - but no newer boats (within a reasonable drive to inspect).
Thoughts are really appreciated.
_________________ 1981 Hobie 16 Tequila Sunrise
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