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Hobie 16 Forum

Last Post by Jules_topcat 23 years ago

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kevin holman

(@papayamon2)

Posts: 233

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Topic starter

[#12789]

I've never owned a Hobie before, but I'm going to look at one for sale (a Hobie 16) this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The person who currently owns it doesn't know the year of manufacture, however, so here's my question: Is the manufacture date encoded in a serial number or something on the hull? I've tried to learn a little bit about Hobies along the way, and I'd like to know what vintage I'm looking at. I know this is a basic question, but could anyone let me know?

Thanks!

Kevin

Posted : October 29, 2003 2:49 pm

Tad Pecorak

(@mauganh17)

Posts: 3089

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I have to admit when I first saw this topic, I thought it was destined for the "meet someone" forum.

Posted : October 29, 2003 4:01 pm

Anonymous 52

(@Anonymous 52)

Posts: 53

THE SER# IS ON THE TRANSOM.THE DATE OF MFG IS WITHIN THE #

Posted : October 29, 2003 7:16 pm

Brad Stephens

(@sunjammers-com)

Posts: 68

Member

The last 2 number of the serial number will tell you what year the boat is. Hobie Cat has an excellent frequently asked question page on there forum http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=f7906b416ee7d9c22cbeb24f768a9df2

This should help you if not let me know and I will see what I can do.

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

Posted : October 29, 2003 8:15 pm

Jules_topcat

(@Jules_topcat)

Posts: 170

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If its an old boat there should be a number on the inside of the back casting but if its a new boat its either on the mast or next to where the rudder connects to the boat.

I thoung it was also about meeting new people!!

Posted : October 30, 2003 8:14 am

Jack Hoying

(@Jmhoying)

Posts: 352

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Quote

If its an old boat there should be a number on the inside of the back casting but if its a new boat its either on the mast or next to where the rudder connects to the boat.

New is a relative term here. My 1976 H16 had the the date etched in the fiberglass on the back of the transom, just above the rudder mounts.
Jack

Posted : October 30, 2003 8:21 am

kevin holman

(@papayamon2)

Posts: 233

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Topic starter

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the info.

Kevin

Posted : October 30, 2003 9:50 am

Jules_topcat

(@Jules_topcat)

Posts: 170

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Im sorry about the new bit but i just bought a boat straight from the factory!! A 2003 model so yeah its new but i dont know how far back it goes!!

Posted : November 4, 2003 7:07 am

CMerrell

(@cmerrell)

Posts: 206

Member

The serial number is the surest way to determine if the boat you want to date is "legal age" or not 🙂 Sometimes the SN has been wiped out by painting or repairs. Age can also be approximated by looking at original parts on the boat such as sail number, mast (comp tip or not), rudders, main sheet blocks, jib cars, etc.

Posted : November 4, 2003 1:26 pm