[quote=MN3]if you could increase your budget a bit you would be in a better position to find a newer (90's era if lucky) boat -
h18's are great but older design and heavy -
if you could find a mystere 5.5 (or nacra 5.5) in the $2000-2500 range you would be in a newer era boat
I purchased my 85 h16 for $1200
my 82 h18 for $400 (guy just purchased a mystere 6.o and wanted it out of his yard , fast)
both had solid hulls but very old/used (but fine) sails and both needed a lot of work in the end (broken rudders, rudder castings, rear beam on the h18, etc....
i wish i would have purchased a mystere 5.0 or 5.5 instead of both those boats (i know have 2 5.5's and buying a 6.0)
I suggest a mystere 5.5
You can take off the jib (and even buy a storm sail to reduce sail area/power) for the kids till they could outsail the adults (wont take long)
[quote]but if its been neglected you may be better off in the long run finding something newer. [/quote]
Even if it's not neglected, plastic, gelcoat and others deteriorate with age and UV exposure. Metal fatigue in the beams or mast (or gelcoat) can be hidden from inspection without removal (and even then....)[/quote]
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