[quote=DaveW70]The number etched on the transom (rear of the pontoon) shown in one of your pictures is the serial number. It should match the one on the title. You are right in that it is a 1976 model. The last three digits of the serial number, '76E indicate a 1976 model made in the fifth month of production with September being the first month (A = September, B = October, etc). It's similar to cars. So your boat appears to be a 1976 model manufactured in January of 1976.
The sail color chart indicates only the first year a color pattern was made available. Many of the the color options were available on all three Hobie models sold at the time. The Flamer edition was first available with the 1975 model year but it was around for several years after and was quite popular as I recall. You definitely have a classic. When I bought my first Hobie 16 in December of 1978 that was one of the color options I considered. I ended up getting the Tequila Sunrise sails with blue hulls though since that was what the dealer had in stock at the moment. I knew nothing about sailing by the way. Did that boat ever take a beating. :-) Over the years, all the colored gelcoat hulls faded pretty badly including my blue hulls but the reds and oranges seemed to be the worst. No surprise there.
The H14 is designed for single handed sailing. Hobie Alter designed it specifically for surfing in the ocean, but thats another story. The ideal weight for an H14 is about 150 to 155 pounds (I weigh 150) so I think you will find the boat pretty ideal and a lot of fun to sail. You likely will need some type of righting device for it though. I have an '84 model that I've sunk far more money into than I care to admit. I frequently tool around on it for an afternoon in Tampa Bay by myself and its a blast. I doubt I'll ever part with it. Now if I could only get my wife to sail an H14 too ...
Good luck on your repairs and good sailing.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by DaveW70 on Apr 20, 2012 - 08:17 AM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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