So I'm looking at buying my first cat and after months of saving and looking I found one in my area. I haven't sailed in years and I know nothing about Hobie's. I used to sail flying scotts and 420's. Hundreds of hours at the helm of our powerboats. Anyway, here is the low down on the Hobie 16:

-$1100 (not bad)
- sat in storage for 5 years, used once last summer, selling due to injury
-original sails and new sails
-rigging sounds to be in good condition but needs a rudder cam pin (I think thats it); needs a pin
- trailer looks good
-new trapeze
-freshly painted
-tramp looks subpar but in good shape

THE KICKER
He mentioned he filled the hulls with foam like its a Whaler. He said he did this because its getting old and wanted to add support and rigidity to the hulls. I think its his way of preventing soft spots. He mentioned a video of a hobie snapping in half and that's what inspired him. He said it added about 10 lbs. per hull (a lot in my opinion) and made the hulls look wavy rather than smooth. Everything about this Hobie seems good except for the foam. I'm just not sure what to make about foam filled hulls. I'm just worried if this gentleman's desire to take care of this Hobie ended up being more harmful. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. What should I look for?

I'd pass, especially given the wavy hulls...

Not sure your location, but around here $1100-$1500 buys you a pretty decent H16 to get on the water so I'd keep up the search. The Hobie 16 is a super well built, durable boat, there shouldn't be any need to fill it with foam, if the hulls are starting to go there is little that will save them

PASS , PASS , PASS

--
Doug Klem
Pensacola , Fl.
Blade F16
Prindle 18-2 w/spin
Prindle 18-2 x 3
Prindle 19 MX
--

I'd run, not walk, RUN, away from that one. Sounds like a mess to me. Decent boats will be popping up on ebay and craigslist now that it's getting warmer. Good luck in your search.

--
Marty
1984 Hobie 16 Redline Yellow Nationals, "Yellow Fever"
Opelika, Al / Lake Martin
--

bayoucat

smooth. Everything about this Hobie seems good except for the foam. I'm just not sure what to make about foam filled hulls. I'm just worried if this gentleman's desire to take care of this Hobie ended up being more harmful. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. What should I look for?

Bayoucat, first, welcome to The beach cats.com and welcome to cat sailing.

It's rare here to have instant consensus on the question of "should I buy this boat", but you have it on this one.

NO

I can't think of many things worse you could do to a Hobie 16 than fill the bulls with foam. Maybe filling the mast with foam would be worse but masts are cheaper than two bills.

Where are you located? And almost as important where is this foam/boat? The owner may figure out that he should keep that information to himself if he wants to unload the boat.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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As others have said, RUN RUN RUN. I guarantee if the hulls are filled wih foam it added more than 10 Lbs. Sounds like a boat that is destined for the dumpster.

Save your money, educate yourself a little more, and get a decent boat. Not this one.

sm

no, no, no,

With a little effort really good boats can be regularly found for 1,000 coast to coast.

no one has mentioned but foam almost always gets water logged (adding dozens and dozens of pounds)

never the correct solution

Well gents I appreciate the replies and the quick answer. I walked away from the deal. Not worth it. Found another though so I'll give him a call and see how that turns out. Newly gel coated he says. Says it needs new lines which I assume means main and jib sheet.

Sorry for the late response. Work and the end of the semester leave for little free time.

Just spoke to this gentleman and he said that it was gel coated due to blisters. I'm not entirely sure if that is something to be worried about or not. Any advice is appreciate. And by lines he was talking about lines to hoist the sail. I would assume those are not too expensive.

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

bayoucat

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

Looks like shrouds are attached to the side rail not the hull.
Looks like grommets in the tramp.
Looks like a 14 jib, not a 16 jib. although it does have Full battens.
Jib traveler tracks are on the main beam like a 16.

That may be a 14, not a 16.

Does not look like fresh GelCoat. The boat may have been moored thus blisters in the GelCoat.



Edited by nacra55 on Apr 20, 2017 - 04:11 PM.

--
Ron
Nacra F18
Reservoir Sailing Assn.
Brandon, Mississippi
--

nacra55

bayoucat

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

That's a 14, not a 16.

How can you tell?

bayoucat

nacra55

bayoucat

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

That's a 14, not a 16.

How can you tell?

Dolphin striker is not a 16. Looks like a 14 dolphin striker.

All hard to tell from photos.

--
Ron
Nacra F18
Reservoir Sailing Assn.
Brandon, Mississippi
--

nacra55

bayoucat

nacra55

bayoucat

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

That's a 14, not a 16.

How can you tell?

Dolphin striker is not a 16. Looks like a 14 dolphin striker.

All hard to tell from photos.

I say 14: the shrouds are a giveaway - 16 shrouds attach to the hull. Also sails - the 16 sails (jib and main) have windows in them.

--
H16 back in the day
SC17 right now
Bradenton, FL
--

regardless of the size ... a "new" gel-coat job to cover the blisters is problematic
it means moisture got into the hulls and is lifting the glass off the foam - causing blisters.

fairly common in hobies, and cats in general but never a good sign
doesn't mean the boat is dead - but wouldn't be my first choice

Bayoucat,

Don't get discouraged, they say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince(s).

For the price you are looking you can find a good boat.

Couple of things looking at this latest one. The trailer has no storage box or tube. They usually do and it's something you will want. The sails look like aftermarket sails rather than Hobie branded sails. "Real" Hobie sails will have a Hobie logo patch near the bottom. Anyone can put the hobie "flying H" decal on, so don't go by that.

Aftermarket sails aren't automatically bad, just that factory sails are very good and long lasting.

What MN3 said. In general you want to avoid Hobie 16's that have been "re-gelcoated" or painted. The boats are made of fiberglass sandwich (foam core) with a very heavy layer of gelcoat on the exterior from the factory.

Also avoid any boat that the owner tells you spent substantial time at a mooring. The boats weren't built for that and it's about the only way Hobie's develop blisters.

I like the tips on telling a Hobie 14 from a Hobie 16 by the pictures.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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DamonLinkous

Bayoucat,

Don't get discouraged, they say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince(s).

For the price you are looking you can find a good boat.

100% agree here - the great thing is that there are a ton of Hobie 16s about so you will find a great one soon enough.

One more thing to look for on hulls apart from waviness and blisters: Hobie's are awesome beach cats - you can sail them right onto the sand with two people on the wire (don't ask), but therein lies an issue: have a look at the bottom of the hulls to check keel wear. People drag them about on the shore and the keels get warn away. It's easy enough to repair, but again: why bother when there are so many to choose from? You can easily wear the keel to the point that the hulls will split down the length (again - don't ask) and that gets a bit sinky (don't... nevermind.)

--
H16 back in the day
SC17 right now
Bradenton, FL
--

I agree with previous posts as well. $1500 can buy an old boat that is in perfect working order with updated lines, etc.

In the end.. Why a Hobie? There's lots of other catamarans there.
More modern and more suitable.

A

--
Tornado (80's Reg White)
Prindle 18-2 (sold)
Dart 16 (hired and hooked)
13 mtr steel cutter (sold)
Etap 22, unsinkable sailing pocket cruiser.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
--

See I thought the windowless sails were a bit strange but I didn't think too much of it mainly because I'm ignorant on the subject. Appreciate the support and advice. Good knowledge not just for cats but boats in general. Time to continue looking haha

DamonLinkous

Bayoucat,

Don't get discouraged, they say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince(s).

For the price you are looking you can find a good boat.

If there is anything I've learned from my father about buying boats it is that patience pays. I'm just looking to get one before I ship in May to use when I get back.

catmodding

In the end.. Why a Hobie? There's lots of other catamarans there.
More modern and more suitable.

A

I just haven't really looked at others which raises a question. Most of my sailing will be on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where it tends to get rough when its windy. I know Hobie's have a tendency to pitch pole. How do prindle's fair in rough water? A quick search reveals good priced prindles for sale. Also, would an 18(any make) be a bit too much to solo for a beginner. I know I'd have to get a righting bag or something of that kind to help when it capsizes.

I guess I'll make this my buying advice thread from here on out since thats what it has turned in to haha

bayoucat

Most of my sailing will be on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Where are you located? There are several of us on here from Mississippi, some in Jackson, some on the coast even some up near Memphis.

Not all Hobie sails have windows, especially the sails from the 70's.

--
Ron
Nacra F18
Reservoir Sailing Assn.
Brandon, Mississippi
--

Rough weather, beginner, solo.. I woud go for 18 ft without daggerboards..
Prindle 18 (classic) Dart 18, Prindle 18-2 (maybe) .
Nacra sailors, help us out here.

A

--
Tornado (80's Reg White)
Prindle 18-2 (sold)
Dart 16 (hired and hooked)
13 mtr steel cutter (sold)
Etap 22, unsinkable sailing pocket cruiser.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
--

Seriously? NACRA 5.7 or 570. No centerboard, stable, single handed sailing and you can submerge the bow without a pitchpole, and so much faster than a Hobie. Prindle 16 can out-sail most Hobie 16 boats easily, and is very resistant to pitch-pole with a lot of front-end flotation, but if you submerge that broad top-deck it's good-bye. The Prindle 18 and 19 are faster on par with NACRA 5.7 and 5.8. All are relatively inexpensive if you can find them.

--
Tom
NACRA 5.7 (1984 Sail 181)
Pennsylvania
--

bayoucat

nacra55

bayoucat

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/6092765555.html

Here is said boat

That's a 14, not a 16.

How can you tell?

That boat is a Hobie 14, 100%. Dolphin striker, shroud locations, hull shape, there is no question. It is definitely not a 16.

sm

Quote

$1500 can buy an old boat that is in perfect working order with updated lines, etc.

perfect working order ... well ...
in my experience - 1500 will get you a basic cat, but i would not expect anything to be in "new like" state.
sails will be well used (maybe some repairs), same for the rudders and hulls

I would not expect a sail tube, nor beach wheels in that price range (can still happen but you'd be very fortunate)

I wouldn't expect updated lines.. i would expect well used lines (probably near end of life)



Edited by MN3 on Apr 21, 2017 - 08:50 AM.

other boats to consider
as mentioned - boomless can save you or crew some headaches,
boardless is easier in shallow areas- this list would include:

prindle 16 (has boom - no boards)
gcat 5.0 or 5.7 (usually has boom, not allways, no boards)
mystere 5.0 (hard to find, hard to get parts but amazing boat: boards - no boom)

I would include a dart but you should realize they are a dog in light air (built for north sea sailing)
I am on the fence about a supercat great boat but ridiculously heavy mast, very wet ride and can be a challenge to right


for 18' boats; Sure not THAT much more of a boat but usually means more control lines and more skills needed to sail WELL

the smaller / simpler cats will still sail - even when you have everything set wrong
the bigger / more complex boat will fight you (not move much) unless you have (most of) the controls set correctly

nacra55

bayoucat

Most of my sailing will be on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Where are you located? There are several of us on here from Mississippi, some in Jackson, some on the coast even some up near Memphis.

My camp is in Bay St. Louis so I'll be sailing the Gulf. I'd like to go sail to cat island on a weather permitting day. I'm currently in school at LSU.

To address the rest of you gents since ya'll are talking about similar points:
Saw a 5.7 for sail on here but never heard back from the gentleman. Might already be gone. I don't think I want an H16 anymore. Seems other cats would be better suited for where I'll be sailing and what I wanna do. Found a 5.2 in Texas but the only problem is the seller is making it hard to get info. Why should I jump thru hoops to give you my money bro? Anyway, I think a 5.7, P16 or P18 would be best suited for me. Really would love a Nacra but they're usually a bit more expensive and harder to find. They look pretty sleek

You guys are awesome though. Have helped me a ton so far.

There is an Nacra 18 square up sale in the classifieds but that seems to be a bit too much for me at first glance. Thoughts? This would be something I sail day after day too if that makes a difference (in regards to transportation and set up/rigging)

Of your most recent possibilities I think a prindle 18/16, Nacra 5.7 would all be good. I don't know much about the Nacra 18sq but it has boards which I don't recommend for a first cat, and it is probably the hardest to right. It sounds like you won't be moving it so the 11 foot beam is not an issue, spare used sails/tramp and other parts may be hard to find. Let location, condition and a little patience guide you and you'll end up in a good spot

bayoucat

There is an Nacra 18 square up sale in the classifieds but that seems to be a bit too much for me at first glance. Thoughts? This would be something I sail day after day too if that makes a difference (in regards to transportation and set up/rigging)

The N18sqm is an absolute no go for a newbie, especially in rougher weather.
To wide, daggerboards, doesn't point high when you're not a skilled sailor, is
a handfull on beach wheels solo and so on.

Was suggesting a 18 footer because of the rough weather, more length means
better behavior in (steep) waves.

Prindle 16, 18. Nacra 5.2, 5.7 are my recommended cats.
AND the glorious Dart 18 as a number 1 !!!

Member Mn3 keeps saying they are "dogs" in light air, but thats not completely
true. They are different cats because of their small beam. so you have to move
around the boat quite active in light air compared to "standard" beach cats .
Consider it a challenge or a new approach.
There's seven or so Dart 18's at our club, and I have seen them passing P18-2
and even F18 (no spi) in light winds. New sails and skills helps a lot.
In heavy weather they are unbeatable, tough.

Grtz, André

--
Tornado (80's Reg White)
Prindle 18-2 (sold)
Dart 16 (hired and hooked)
13 mtr steel cutter (sold)
Etap 22, unsinkable sailing pocket cruiser.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
--

Quote

There's seven or so Dart 18's at our club, and I have seen them passing P18-2
and even F18 (no spi) in light winds. New sails and skills helps a lot.
In heavy weather they are unbeatable, tough.

I mean no disrespect for the Dart. I like the boat, almost purchased one at one time.
I have been on a few, and well above 30knot wind - that is the right boat for heavy air


I have personally passed and done circles waiting for a friend on a dart 18 in light air (he is a very good sailor) when i owned a H18 (that was in pretty poor shape, old sails and i didn't really know how to sail it) - that is what i base my statements on

I don't know how to post a link, but there is a 1985 Hobie 16 on Craigslist in Wetumpka, Al for $1500.00. The ad states that the hulls have no soft spots, tramp is good except for a hiking strap. Trailer included has sailbox, winch, and new lights. There are 2 pictures in the ad, one is from beachcats, and the other is from Juana's Pagodas. So, there ya go.



Edited by martyr on Apr 26, 2017 - 01:05 AM.

--
Marty
1984 Hobie 16 Redline Yellow Nationals, "Yellow Fever"
Opelika, Al / Lake Martin
--

Quote

I don't know how to post a link

highlight the url in the address bar at the top of the browser
right click and select copy (or control+c)
come to this forum/page
click the URL button below and 2 brackets will appear (url) (/url) (brackets changed to parenthesis so you can see the general idea)

and right click and select paste (or control+v) inside the brackets

alternatively you can paste the url here / and then highlight the url you just pasted / then hit the URL button below - either way works

I am using a phone so...yeah, it's difficult. Anyway, there is also a nice G Cat in Port St Joe, Fl for $799, has double tramps and beach wheels!!! Lots of inexpensive boats out there, there is a 1977 Nacra 5.2 for $1000.00 in Birmingham,Al (no picture), and a H16 in Pensacola, Fl for $1100.00.



Edited by martyr on Apr 25, 2017 - 11:31 AM.

--
Marty
1984 Hobie 16 Redline Yellow Nationals, "Yellow Fever"
Opelika, Al / Lake Martin
--

martyr

I don't know how to post a link, but there is a 1985 Hobie 16 on Craigslist in Wetumpka, Al for $1500.00. The ad states that the hulls have no spot spots, tramp is good except for a hiking strap. Trailer included has sailbox, winch, and new lights. There are 2 pictures in the ad, one is from beachcats, and the other is from Juana's Pagodas. So, there ya go.

Seems like a really good cat but I don't think a hobie 16 would best fit where I want to sail. I already called about that 5.2 and it was gone. No surprise haha

What do y'all think about a hobie 17? Found what looks to be a good one at price I could probably negotiate. Ideally I'd really like a 5.0, 5.2, or 5.7 but I feel that as it gets closer to summer less will be up for sale. Nacra's are hard to find too. Haven't seen too many prindle's but I think a 16 is what I need. Anything at 18 feet, unless I can get a steal of a deal, is a bit more than I'll really need.

I mean I guess I could always get a H16 and if I'd like something else in the future, sell it.

For an all-around boat that can be sailed single-handed with jib and main or main alone (well-balance either way), that can be righted easily and has simple, but effective controls and has one of the best designed rudder systems--the Dart 18!!! It moves well in light wind conditions, when sailed properly, and that is part of the learning curve, but it really gives you confidence and handles superbly in a blow. Finding one may be a problem, as not many were imported from England to the U.S., but it's worth the effort to search one out. I currently own 3 of them plus a Prindle 18-2 and a Nacra 5.2. The Dart is still my go-to boat!!! Bob Martinez (Ventura Sailing Club multihull fleet captain)

bayoucat

Seems like a really good cat but I don't think a hobie 16 would best fit where I want to sail.

I forgot, where could you be sailing that a Hobie 16 wouldn't work?

The Hobie 17 is a very specific single handed boat. Low volume hulls don't carry weight. It may look bigger than a Hobie 16 on the beach because of the wings but it's not. H16 is a great all around boat, the H17 (and a lot of boats mentioned so far) are tools for a specific job.

bayoucat

I mean I guess I could always get a H16 and if I'd like something else in the future, sell it.

Yes, the important thing is to get a boat and get started, but unless you manage to buy a Hobie 16 that someone has filled with foam you can't go wrong and can probably sail it a year and sell it for what you paid.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Hi there, I would take the advice of these people here! They are giving you good advice. Run away from this one. OK I just looked at a Hobie 18 in Atlanta Ga. Posted recently its is the white one sitting next to the blue tractor. The man who bought it knew nothing about it and a very nice person. We checked it for sold spots all over. Crunch,crunch,then he was sick. He owned a shop and told his worker to bring over a sawzaw. He cut off the first 6 feet of the hull. Wow! We inspected it and the inside fiberglass strip along with the outside glass was totally separated with rotton foam inside. I noticed that the inside foam was so thin it could be rolled up. The outside fiberglass was a little thicker. I didn't realize the fiberglass was so thin. Now I am reluctant of buying an older boat. This boat appeared rough even before we checked for sold spots. The whole boat was delaminated. OK, so a boat looks nice with paint and all the nice hardware just make sure its solid. The boat owner told me he is redoing the add as parts list. By the way, notice the front crossbar has a welded brace from a crack! The mast looked fine and sails were a little faded but I did not see all of them rolled out to check for inspection.The trailer was a heavy duty type with rust.The tires were good.

--
Tom Bainbridge, Ga. Hobie16, prindle 18.2
--

Hi there, I would take the advice of these people here! They are giving you good advice. Run away from this one. OK I just looked at a Hobie 18 in Atlanta Ga. Posted recently its is the white one sitting next to the blue tractor. The man who bought it knew nothing about it and a very nice person. We checked it for solf spots all over. Crunch,crunch,then he was sick. He owned a shop and told his worker to bring over a sawzaw. He cut off the first 6 feet of the hull. Wow! We inspected it and the inside fiberglass strip along with the outside glass was totally separated with rotton foam inside. I noticed that the inside glass was so thin it could be rolled up. The outside fiberglass was a little thicker. I didn't realize the fiberglass was so thin. Now I am reluctant of buying an older boat. This boat appeared rough even before we checked for solf spots. The whole boat was delaminated. OK, so a boat looks nice with paint and all the nice hardware just make sure its solid. The boat owner told me he is redoing the add as parts list. By the way, notice the front crossbar has a welded brace from a crack! The mast looked fine and sails were a little faded but I did not see all of them rolled out to check for inspection.The trailer was a heavy duty type with rust.The tires were good.



Edited by ec on Apr 26, 2017 - 11:06 AM.

--
Tom Bainbridge, Ga. Hobie16, prindle 18.2
--

Dartman

For an all-around boat that can be sailed single-handed with jib and main or main alone (well-balance either way), that can be righted easily and has simple, but effective controls and has one of the best designed rudder systems--the Dart 18!!! It moves well in light wind conditions, when sailed properly, and that is part of the learning curve, but it really gives you confidence and handles superbly in a blow. Finding one may be a problem, as not many were imported from England to the U.S., but it's worth the effort to search one out. I currently own 3 of them plus a Prindle 18-2 and a Nacra 5.2. The Dart is still my go-to boat!!! Bob Martinez (Ventura Sailing Club multihull fleet captain)

They are especially hard to find because the owners, like Bob here, buy up all the others in their area! He is right about it being a great single handed cat. It is about 100 lbs lighter than a P, H or N 18, and was designed for ocean sailing in the North Sea.

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

bayoucat

I want an H16 anymore. Seems other cats would be better suited for where I'll be sailing and what I wanna do.

Plenty of H16s have been and are still tearing up the Mississippi sound. Highly recommend that you hook up with the Ocean Springs YC folks and familiarize/sail on some different boats before you make decisions based on internet fodder (like mine). I'll be sailing my H16 (along with a lot more H16s and other cats) out of there to Ship Is. in a few weeks.

http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/14794

--
Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16
Clinton, Mississippi
--