I'm in the market for a Hobie 16. Anyone want to give me some pointers? Are there any flaws in particular that I should be looking for. Any particular model years that should be avoided? I appreciate any advise.
Here are a couple.
1. press down with the palm of your hand on the tops of each hull a foot or two forward of the trampoline to check for soft spots. Hobies are notorious for having soft spots as you can see by reading these forums.
2. In 1994 Hobie changed the pylons and corner castings and I believe that was the year when the hulls got lighter. These newer hobie 16's do not have a slot (track) in the pylons that connect the hull to the corner castings.
Of course their are other things to think about, but I believe these are the most important.
Greg,
1978 H14, 1981 H16
You should check everything closely. The foredeck is a good check, and you need to be sure to use the same test on the inside of the pontoons; they tend to delaminate where you stand on them to right the boat.
David
A great used boat evaluation and guideline at the Sailing Pro Shop web site:
http:/