I just moved to costal MS and have always wanted to learn to sail. I have a Hobie 14 in mind that a guy is trying to move but it needs some parts and I am not looking to get a project boat. I have also looked at a rhodes19 and a v-15 both of which seemed like to much for a beginner. Any idea's on what I could look into? What about windriders? I have looked at some small sunfish and lasers' but I would really like something a bit larger that maybe 4 or 6 people could go out on. I'd love advice. I am not looking for something to race or super fast. Just something fun and safe. HELP ME OUT.


Michael

well... I have a hobie 14 and I live in coastal MS and would be happy to check the boat out with you.... I'd really just recommend a good Hobie 16 or Prindle 16 catamaran, if you want to have the ease of just launching from the beach... Ocean Springs Yacht Club is a "beach house" with sailboats... come check it out sometime, just drop by and ask for the Fleet Capt, I'll show you around and you can compare all the boats, etc... usually folks are sailing, easy to catch a ride... Cheers, Rob.

you sir are in luck! rob will hook you up in a big way, osyc is excellent and so are the people so make that first move and meet and greet the folks who will hook you up! don't buy anything yet! your deal awaits, see you soon!!!

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Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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I have been looking at this boat for sale and I wondered if you guys could tell me if it sounds like trouble??



"The boat is definitely sailable and would be a good day sailer, not for racing. The hulls have soft spots in front of the trampoline posts which is common for older hobies, but I have sailed this boat since I bought it in 20 years ago and I would sail it today. The sails are in excellent shape. The trailer has new wheels/tires. It needs some wiring and lights. The rollers are fine and have the large rubber tires which are better than the plastic. This is priced to get someone an affordable package. I will negotiate the price within reason. Truly the trailer and cat-trax (rollers) are worth easily $1000.00 alone. New 16 sails cost $1000.00, so you essentially get a sailable boat with excellent sails, trailer and cat trax."


Can i fix soft spots? I don't mind a little work but I don't want to put in tons of labor.

Is the v-15 you mention a MacGregor venture? What is the asking price on it? I was given one and thought it was a toy compared to my other boats, but turns out it is a fun boat and really stable. Mine is the straight hull version.



Edited by pknapp66 on Apr 01, 2012 - 03:58 PM.

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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mnewman1987

I have been looking at this boat for sale and I wondered if you guys could tell me if it sounds like trouble??



"The boat is definitely sailable and would be a good day sailer, not for racing. The hulls have soft spots in front of the trampoline posts which is common for older hobies, but I have sailed this boat since I bought it in 20 years ago and I would sail it today. The sails are in excellent shape. The trailer has new wheels/tires. It needs some wiring and lights. The rollers are fine and have the large rubber tires which are better than the plastic. This is priced to get someone an affordable package. I will negotiate the price within reason. Truly the trailer and cat-trax (rollers) are worth easily $1000.00 alone. New 16 sails cost $1000.00, so you essentially get a sailable boat with excellent sails, trailer and cat trax."


Can i fix soft spots? I don't mind a little work but I don't want to put in tons of labor.

This is what happens with soft spots...... This guy was not sailing the boat very hard and the soft spots where in the same place described. But they can be fixed I just have to dig up the article on how to do it

DT, been there, the worst feeling ever, one goes from sailor to swimmer in an instant. DO NOT BUY BOATS WITH SOFT SPOTS. They are not worth it ever. JMHO, YMMV, Ricardo.

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Lake Perry KS
H-18
N-5.5 UNI +spin
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[/quote]

Yup... and that picture easily shows $1,000 in trailer and cat trax and sails... but they're no good w/o a solid platform (hulls).... most other stuff you can swap out and fix or replace... hulls need to be solid.

Believe me, look and/or wait for the right boat, you may spend more in the short term, but long term you'll be spending $$ for reenforcement or repair, AND lost time that you could have been sailing... just lose a bit more $$ and gain the sailing time!

Lots of us were out at OSYC yestreday sailing... kids on a Hoibe 17 made a video, I was screaming along on my 14, folks out on Hobie Waves and 420s... ... check this youtube from yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te4UTlQyw04&feature=share

cheers,
Rob

I agree with Coastrat, be patient the deal will come to you. Go out to OSYC and check out the place and the boats. Heck I think they will let you join, show sailing competency and you can sail the club boats until you find one.

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Nacra 5.2
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here's the deal on soft spots...only buy if it's dirt cheap!...don't care how nice the trailor/cattrax/sails/etc. is, act all freaked out about the soft spots and low ball. if the owner is so proud of the boat then he should fix them and get his price. it's an easy repair and cheap. that 1000$ bucks is enough for new sails and tramp on a h16 or new rigging or rudders or life jackets etc. but use the soft spots as a huge bargaining chip!

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Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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