Hobie Cat Forums

I've been considering a Hobie 16, and I have a few questions:

1) Although there are a LOT of 70s-80s boats, why is it so difficult to find 90s to 2012 boats for sale? Are there some years that are better built than others?
2) I'm aware of soft spot/delam issues, and I'm wondering if white/light decks are less prone to this because they reflect light/heat better than dark colors. Does this make sense?
3) I'll be single-handling mostly, so I'm concerned about furling the (batten-less) jib, dropping or reefing the main, and possibly righting the boat solo after a capsize. Is it not too difficult to set up a Hobie 16 in this way?

Thanks much!

What area of the country are you in SailScott?

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Jonathan
'85 H16 __/) 87468 Tidal Wave

I'm from Southern California, where Hobie first started.

I was in the same boat you are when I was looking for my 16, (HAA HA HA, same boat, now that's funny!) anyway I wanted a newer style boat with integrated tracks and some of the newer features. I also knew I'd have less chance of ending up with a boat that was delaminated or on the verge of delamination. I went through two boats in two years, both started out solid as a rock.
Took me almost a year but I finally found a decently priced boat that was about 11 hours away from me. Good thing I happened to be travelling to Ft Lauderdale that weekend! I shelled out 4k for a 2001, spent about $700 replacing all the standing and running rigging and a few other upgrades and fixes.
I couldn't be happier with my decision to spend a little more this time. I know quite a few people and have read about everyone who had great luck with older boats but it just didn't work out for me. I take care to wash it after sailing, keep it waxed and covered and tinker and fix anything that doesn't seem right.
My advice is to keep looking, be patient you'll find the right boat. They're out there however, timing is everything.

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"Spirit of 76" Hobie Sail #18515
2001 Hobie 16, Sail #105865
1981 Hobie 18, Project Boat

If you are open to other options, there is a H17 in Nevada, which looks like a very good deal,
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=45003

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H17

TMason: That's great wisdom! Thank you. All those 70s and 80s Hobie 16s are for sale for a reason (e.g., on the verge of failure, needing $$$, other issues)...Yes, IF I could find a post 2000 H-16, it would be worth it... but they are really hard to find. I am wondering if production went way down over the last 10 years...? I'll keep looking (e.g., Craigslist, EBay, Hobie Forum). I'm sure something will emerge. Thank you!

JackB: Yes, that looks like a great find... but with the price of gas (especially for my truck!), 8 hours of driving (across state lines), and the challenges of titling/registration back here in CA (when titles/registrations are not perfect)... I can wait for something closer to home.

Thanks for all the input! (This forum is extremely helpful.)
Take care... and tack with care.

Hi - others have suggested contacting local Hobie fleets to inquire about boats. Check in with the nearest Hobie dealer or beach rental - sometimes they have a line on used boats (out here on the east coast the dealer in Myrtle Beach has a 2008 H16 for $4.5K which was a former beach rental/lesson boat).

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Jonathan
'85 H16 __/) 87468 Tidal Wave

Just bought my first H16... did it really on the cheap: $20 for the rig and trailer and in the process of restoration. I have found that the most significant challenge is hull quality. Tons of boats out there but also a lot with delam issues. Unless you are looking to be the cheapskate and go with questionable hulls, I strongly suggest that you focus on good hulls. Assuming you are looking for recreational fun with any possible racing held to a Wednesday beer can event, you can find all of the extra parts you need, including sails, on the cheap via either ebay or craigslist. I posted a CL ad and have found pretty much everything I need, including good advice on repairing my hulls, within an hour of my house. Good luck!

Thank you, dexter. Your experiences are invaluable... I like a good bargain, like most people, of course. And I can even do some minor repairs, but I do not want to get into anything major (e.g., structural, expensive equipment replacments). Often it's just not worth it to save a few hundred (or even a few thousand), is it?
Scott

Where in So Cal? I have bought Six H16's in the past five years here so I have some experience and am wiilling to help. I have rebuilt three of the boats and given them away to people I have taught to sail.

I also have parts I would like to give away as people need them for there H16's

1978 Mast
1981 Tramp frame (complete with corner castings)

Send me a private email with your contact information.

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1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise - still own
2008 Hobie 16 (currently sailing the crap out of this boat)
1977 Super Sunfish
John

WAY COOL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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1980 H16
1997 Wave

That is Super cool !

I have a 100% Complete Hobie 16. I'd be willing to fix up the soft spots on the Hulls with someone and basically Give away the boat AT COST ( about $400 tops ) with trailer!!! to someone in the Memphis area that would like to get into sailing!!

Tim

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""Magic Carpet Ride""

That's the spirit! "Each one teach one." Spread your love for sailing, especially cat sailing.

Post some pics!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im not in Memphis ,but a few hours away!

jsloan999:
I tried to email you a couple days ago.
I'd appreciate any input...
Thanks.