Hi - I'm looking at purchasing an older Hobie 16 that has had some repair/repainting done to it and am wondering if anyone has some helpful hints on anything to look for that might be hidden major repair work.
From some of the tech forums, I can see that the mast step rivits sometimes go, and also general fiberglass softness. I've also seen some of the history regarding the Hobie 18 hull geneology http://www.thebeachcats.com/forums/viewtopic/topic/12598/start/ 0"> http://www.thebeachcats.com/forums/viewtopic/topic/12598/start/0 that I imagine would apply to the 16 as well, but does anyone have any other advice at things to look for?
Thanks
Chris
Soft hulls are the biggest pain IMO. Stay clear of them. I do not believe the 16 suffered as badly in the coleman years. Just remember that the tramp replacement and sails add up fast. Look for epo rudders and working rudder cams for a boat that's still being well taken care of.
This might be helpful.
http://www.sailingproshop.com/catamaran_guide.aspx
I agree with bacho. I'd avoid a boat that has soft spots or needs a bottom job right away. I'd much rather spend my Saturdays on the water.
Soft spots avoid like the plague - rivets etc are no big deal and spare parts are cheap and easy to come by
Check the rudder gudgens and attachments on the transom. The bolts are known to pull out on earlier boats which will require drilling out and retapping to a larger size. Check the pylons, on occasion the will sink into the hull, big problem.
if the boat is priced low enough, there is really nothing that can be located/replaced at fairly low cost. the site dave posted is very detailed.
Thanks everyone - the boat I'm looking at is from 74, single owner, fresh water only, so other than the points above I'm expecting no issues. I'm certainly not scared of a little minor repair work. Looking forward to an excellent summer on the beach.
check all the rigging and the MAST!! i just got my 16 but i didn't notice the mast was bent