I'm planning to buy my first cat. 1983 16' hobie. Haven't seen it yet, but i'm told it's complete and was sailed last year. For the $600 price (trailer included), it appears to be a bargain and a good first boat. My concern is that major problem is lurking. Another concern is that seller is unable to do any setup, and I've never seen it done first hand.



Any last minute pointers?
D

Check the hulls for soft spots. Make sure you have 2 shrouds and a forestay (3 wires), 2 rudders, 2 sails, and a main sheet system (block and pulley), also aome 2 blocks on the front beam. There should be a jib sheet (rope) and a main sheet( again more rope) Find some pictures on the internet take them with you. Also check if you have 2 halyards (skinny rope) on the mast. Better yet find a cat sailor and take him with you.

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Nacra 5.2
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Here is an assembly manual http://2010.archive.hobie…port/pdfs/H16_Manual.pdf
If the seller is unwilling to rig the boat on the trailer the only way to make sure all the parts are there for a new sailor would be to use this manual.
Rigging the boat on the trailer should take less than an hour, with your help. Does the seller have a good reason not to do setup.
Look for soft spots in the hulls. See delamination threads. Not a deal killer but would need to be fixed before sailing.
I have not owned a Hobie so my information is not first hand.

Better yet find a "HOBIE" cat sailor and take him with you.



Edited by skarr1 on Apr 26, 2011 - 09:51 AM.

If the seller can't rig it, how can he claim it was sailed last year?
I would bring it to a cat/hobie shop and have them rig it and look for missing parts and deduct that from the cost

PS 500 is cheaper than most working boats cost... i would be very leary

As others have said, I would recommend that you find someone who is knowledgeable about Hobie Cats, 16s in particular, and have them take a look at it with you. The two of you can rig it and see what if anything is missing. For me, a missing shroud or block would not usually be a deal killer. However, I recommend you do not buy the boat if it has soft spots (delamination) on the hulls. Delamination is a structural issue. And, while it is often correctible, it is usually the beginning of the end for the boat. You will have enough to do learning how to rig and sail your boat without having to deal with major repairs before you can even sail it. As they say, "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

My first boat was a Hobie 16 and I have been in love with cats ever since. Nothing else compares. There are lots of used Hobie and Prindle 16s out there that would be good first boats. So if this one doesn't work out just keep looking.

Good luck.

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Dave Wilson
Hobie 16, Hobie 14
Tampa, FL
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check it out!!! $500 is the gateway price to bringing new sailors to the sport...figure around 500$-900$ a year in general repairs/expenses. once you get her out, you should be hooked...first year is things like life jackets, trailor parts, west system epoxy, and parts yet to be determined. don't worry about cosmetic stuff this season...just sail!!!

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bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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