I've been sailing an old 5.0 for about 20 years and would like to get into a F-18. I'm always curious if there were any years/models to avoid due to construction, leaky hulls, etc. Is it worth the money for a non-racer to pay more for a later model with wave-piercing hulls v. and earlier model in good condition? I am not a racer, so I'm not particularly concerned about performance downwind or anything like that, but if certain years have quirks to stay away from, I'd love to hear it.
Your collective wisdom/input would be appreciated.
Thanks

I own an '01 Hobie Tiger that I mostly day sail and some club racing. Although not in great condition, I got it for a very good price and have not been disappointed. With the ability to roll the jib, I am comfortable solo sailing up to a pretty good breeze. I have had a couple of solo outings that I would consider "survival" mode and the Tiger delivered nicely.

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dk

Blade F-16
Hobie 14
Corsair F-242
Mirage 25 (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
TomCat 6.2 (Sold)
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Thanks, dssaak. My 5.0 jib is neither self-tacking or roller furling, which would both be really nice. Anybody else?

I can’t really think of a major issue any particular boat is known for that would be a problem. At least that shouldn’t have already been fixed by now. If you’re only day sailing the performance particulars of each boat matter very little.

With time the newer boats are more ergonomic. Blocks mounted in better places, simpler systems. I haven’t seen a furling jib on one in a while. You might not plan on that.

If I was just day sailing I would probably skip on the long boards. I would prefer a mid pole snuffer in any case. I don’t really find a furling jib too necessary. A lot of systems on the newest boats are very clean on the tramps at the cost of taking longer to rig you might find yourself redoing that.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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I seem to recall hearing that some of the early Wildcats had some hull issues but may be wrong.

If you are solo sailing an F18, don't underestimate the convenience of a furler. That may point you to an older boat (and a better price).

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dk

Blade F-16
Hobie 14
Corsair F-242
Mirage 25 (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
TomCat 6.2 (Sold)
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Im not aware of any Wildcat build issue. I would argue the wildcat is a higher quality boat than the Nacra or AHPC boat (I have owned all 3)

Early Infusions had some issues, but I believe they’ve all been repaired by now.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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Thanks folks.
dan

Modern "wave piercing" bows are great even for non-racing as they significantly reduce the chances of pitchpoling. You can dig a bow quite severely, and not go over. This applies in good wind, going downwind, in particular with a swell.

Just to clear a few things up. The build issues with the Infusions are related to the 2007-2009 models (Mk. 1's). They had seams that could split, most have been fixed. The Mk. 2's and newer don't have this issue and are great boats, generally available at great prices.

Some of the older C2's, 2010's and 2011's have also had seam issues after being sailed hard, but this is pretty rare and generally necessitates repetitive beach landings to expose.

The first batch of Wildcat's had daggerboards that could break somewhat easily if not raised while reaching/downwind. This was quickly rectified by Hobie and otherwise the boats are well built, sail well, just hard to sail super fast in chop/waves.

Overall the Hobie Tigers are well built machines that don't have known structural issues, but newer is better as the gear is getting a bit worn. Fantastic upgrades from a 5.0, essentially a more modern Nacra 5.8.

In terms of bang for the buck on boats that are generally out there, I would probably go Nacra Infusion Mk. 2, then C2 then Hobies. That is based on ease of sailing and racing competitiveness, but the ease of sailing plays into general sailing. One thing I will warn you of, these boats are time consuming to rig, so best if you have mast up storage!

Much obliged, Sam and Martin. I was introduced to cats by a friend with a 70s Hobie after sailing a little Lido since about '79. Loved the extra zip, so I got the used 5.0 and have had a blast with it. Of course, between me and my crew, that was a couple hundred pounds ago so I'd like something bigger and updated.

I've been puttering around perfectly content on my little lake, Margrethe, in MI for so long, I didn't even know the questions to ask or what to look for on a used cat.

Thanks much for the input and collective experience to all "posters"
dan

Another option for you might be a Tornado (centerboards are nice if you have shallows) or the venerable Inter-20. The I-20 carries weight better than the Hobie Tiger, but it is hard to beat the price of the Tiger. Parts availability for both is better than the Tornado.

Another option for you might be a Tornado (centerboards are nice if you have shallows) or the venerable Inter-20. The I-20 carries weight better than the Hobie Tiger, but it is hard to beat the price of the Tiger. Parts availability for both is better than the Tornado.

Sam gave some good advice; only problem with a Tornado though would be transporting it (10' wide) and durability. From an on the water perspective, durability is great, however some boats (Marstroms for sure) were built using Nomex honeycomb for the core. This makes them more prone to dents and dings.

dancom1

I've been puttering around perfectly content on my little lake, Margrethe, in MI for so long, I didn't even know the questions to ask or what to look for on a used cat.

Looked up your Lake Margrethe, 3 square miles is not much of a pond for an F18.

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Ron
Nacra F18
Reservoir Sailing Assn.
Brandon, Mississippi
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Oh, Ron! Disparaging my little lake that brings me such sailing joy! Actually, the longest run north to south is a little over three miles, and the shape of the lake makes for some fun challenges with wind off the points and dead areas. And, since I'm in no hurry, clockwise or counter-clockwise around, about a nine mile trip, is the only big question. If I get it done a little too fast, I'll just let out some sail the next time around!
Plus, I'm only a short ride to Houghton and Higgins, Torch, Elk, and Charleviox!