There is a 1981 Hobie 14 with two main sails (one bad one good) that I am considering buying. The hulls are "heavily oxidized" to the point that the PO painted it with red house paint. The current owner tried sanding it off and is about to paint the hulls with white marine paint. One hull has a small hole from the previous trailer. The tramp has a small tear. It will need new rudder cams. No trailer. He is asking $450. Is this worth my time? Thanks.

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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No,

I bought a Hobie 14 last year in pristine condition with a trailer, two mainsails, turbo kit and beach wheels for 400. I had beach wheels so i sold one set for 150 and the extra mainsail for 75 so I have 175 into it. Granted I had to watch Craigslist for a while, and I got real lucky on this deal, but I think you could do better than this deal.

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Kenneth Purdy
Hobie 16
Nacra 5.2 (2)
Banshee
First Coast, Florida
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Kinda sounding like a crackboat.

In my opinion, I think if you add a couple hundred more bucks and continue your search at the end of the day you will have more value for your money by having stuff in better condition and having to spend less of your time on repairs.

Been there, done that, and it becomes frustrating to the point of realizing you've just learned your lesson the hard way...



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Ron
Big Bear Lake, Ca.
1990 Hobie 18 Worlds
1988 Mac 26Dagger
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I completly agree with Ron and don't ask me why!

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AB
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Well, lets say I get a flatbed trailer ($200) and add some 2x6s for bunks (I have done this on my prev cat). I would need to do a lot of sanding of a little painting. Assuming there are not any soft spots. A new tramp would be about $220 with shipping. Rudder cams would be about $35. I have a 420 jib that will fit if I modify the forestay and bridle. I have a set of H18 trapeze wires.

But in reality I don't keep a boat for more than a season. I intend on selling and getting my money back. I have done this with 7 boats so far. So the real question is, How much is a Hobie 14 turboish worth is good shape?

There is a nice Hobie Turbo for sale in Orange Beach for $1200 with trailer. Think I could beat him down to $1000?

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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I already talked this guy down to $400 without even seeing it.

I forgot that I would need to spend another $90 on a dolphin striker.

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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The boat's value is entirely determined by it's condition. If it has been re-painted with house paint and has soft spots, you couldn't give it away to me. If it's in average condition for it's age (i.e. complete and functional, but all original equipment), I would say it's worth in the $500 to $800 range. If it has been maintained and upgraded, maybe $1000-$1500. The demand for these boats is so low that it really depends on what the buyer is willing to pay at that moment. The biggest drawback I see on the boat you're looking at is the fact that the hulls have been "painted with house paint." That instantly puts it in the POS category for me.

sm

No Jib.... no trailer....

Look around at what a new jib and trailer cost and then you will have no trouble walking away from this "deal".

You will spend at least $1000 trying to find a usable trailer....

There is a guy near me trying to sell a Hobie 16 with great sails and a serviceable trailer for $350. The starboard hull's deck has delaminated. You could get that trailer and sell the sails, keep the tramp and other hardware, burn the hulls ....maybe???? but a lot of work. Move your set point to $900 and be willing to drive 6+ hours and you will find a great hobie ready to sail ....

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rgranger
Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Hobie16, Balboa26, Rhodes 22, O'Brian Windsurfer
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LOL. That is good information. The biggest issue I was having was convincing the wife. I am selling my Force 5 for $850 today. (also a POS when I bought it). So I rephrased my pitch to my wife. I am not spending $1000, I am spending $150 more on my sailing hobby. She liked that better. I will try to pick up the nice one for $1000 this weekend.

My favorite cat (AMF Trac 14) was sold to me for $75. That was the best boat I have ever owned. Not best condition, but by far the easiest to sail.

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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rch701

My favorite cat (AMF Trac 14) was sold to me for $75. That was the best boat I have ever owned. Not best condition, but by far the easiest to sail.

Rob you’ve got my curiosity! Talk to me about the AMF. Why was it easier than other cats?
Did it have less controls, better control placement, or more buoyancy or something?

If simply that it was jibless what about compared to a jibless Hobie 14?

I see Damon has some pics in here of an AMF 18! How cool would that be?

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Ron
Big Bear Lake, Ca.
1990 Hobie 18 Worlds
1988 Mac 26Dagger
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Rondog,
The amf 14 has a few things going for it.
It was designed as a car toppable. It comes apart with no tools.
The tiller pivots are rubber, this causes the boat to hold its course. It will sail itself and leave you behind.
The mast did not require a hinge pin to get it upright. One can simply lift it.
Some versions used two forestays. These may have "tweaker lines" to twist the hull alignment. ( I never used this function). But this also allowed for rigging with no jib if desired.
It was lighter than a hobie 14, and had the beams deck mounted.
The rudder system used a roller cam and a huge spring in the tiller. It was heavy but you could never break it since the rudder were never "locked" down.

I bought a turbo this morning and sailed a buddies H16 this afternoon. One day I may find another Trac 14. I will buy it.

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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Quote

One day I may find another Trac 14. I will buy it.

Offer him $700... that is only about $600 in your money.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-sailboat/markham-york-region/amf-trac-14-catamaran-sailboat-reduced/591749585?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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