Well after you guys informed me that my last hobie wasnt the best purchase, I started hunting for new(used) hulls for my boat. I found one pair about an hour away but one has a hole from a puncture which would need to be repaired. Then for about $250 more I found an entire hobie 16. I dont know the year yet, and it doesnt come with a trailer. I figure with my boat which is pretty good minus the hull and its missing parts, and this one I could make one good Hobie for about $800 total and have a bunch of spare parts as backups or to sell. Before I check this one out, what should I look for? I think I read that the 86+ hulls are lighter correct? Anything else? Any advice?
catamaran's buyers guide (dated 2000) info good pricing dated
You'll get adjustable rudder castings on the '86
verify it is, in fact, an '86 Hobie serial number location
I think the 84 is the magic year for the lighter boats. Todd Wilson has a superior 80s light boat up here in Iowa for sale. With his good racing sails, the boat is selling for $2100 with trailer.
I also think that late 84 is when the change in weight came. 85 for certain. The main think I would look for is soft spots. Push on every inch of each hull, any flex walk away. Also check to see how worn down the keels are. Check for upgraded gear that may come with the boat. Harken 6:1, epos, newer/crisp sails, downhaul. If you know someone that sails a 16, take them with you.
1984 model year was the weight change. It includes boats built from August 1983 onward.