My husband and I sailed some dinghies when we were teens, toppers, wayfarers that sort of thing. Not a huge amount but enough to not be complete idiots. We sailed a few times when our kids were young but they were hard work so gave up. Now our kids are teens and we are trying again. We decided on a five year plan to buy a cruiser and learn enough to be comfortable sailing the coast and out to islands for the weekend. So we started renting keel boats and learning our way around them. Just for fun we decided to rent a getaway and found that our reluctant younger son preferred sailing on them to the keel boats so as he was the least enthusiastic (not reluctant, more neutral) sailor we allowed him to choose and he always chooses to go on the Hobies (Getaways and 16s) over the bigger boats. As there is normally three of us sailing (and we aren't terribly light) we were thinking perhaps an 18?? I've not seen a Getaway for sale used anywhere near us and we didn't really want to spend more than $1500.
There is someone selling a 79 which is older than we had planned and close to the top of our budget but he says it has been kept indoors and is in fabulous condition with extras and is race ready, not just sailing ready (we don't plan to race anytime soon).
Is this a good boat for two adults and a teen who are beginners to cat sailing? When our older son is around we will probably just rent him a 16 because he and his brother are happier to take off on one together. Could this take four when we want it to?
Is there a checklist somewhere that we should have because we don't really know what we need to look for and the seller is too far away to ask a friend to come with us?
Any advice? Ideas?
Thank you!
Hobie 18?
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 12:00 PM
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 01:15 PM
First question, where r u located?
R -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 01:16 PM
West coast :) -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 01:18 PM
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 01:25 PM
great, that has a lot of info! -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 02:02 PM
This is a question we get often, use the "search" option, try words like "newbie", "starter beachcat", "first beachcat", etc and do some research
Any catamaran is going to be a bit faster than a monohull, keep in mind that there are 2 basic materials for construction (actually 3 but carbon fiber is for the super wealthy), fiberglass and rotomolded plastic, weight plays a factor in your personal choice, fiberglass is lighter giving the boat more speed, rotomolded plastic is heavier but is almost indestructible.
Keep us posted
R -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 02:29 PM
Thanks again. I had done some research, that is why we were thinking of the 18 and how I found this forum :)
I had already found the following
http://www.ebay.com/gds/buying-a-used-hobie-cat-sailboat-what-to-look-for-/10000000037930018/g.html
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=27409
http://www.hcana.hobieclass.com/default.asp?Page=9363&MenuID=CLASSES___%7C/c20071/9268/
but I was looking for some more specific advice and whether we were on the right track and whether an old boat was going to work for us or be a potential pain in the neck.
I'm not too bothered about the speed, my older son would disagree but he won't be sailing this most of the time because he is away at college. Honestly the getaway has been good for us but I don't want to spend that much and they are all a long way away. -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 07:47 PM
You are definitely on a right track. Just take your time, do your research and stay away from soft spots.
You can also post some picture of your boat. Folks on this forum like pictures and are eager to give you advice. You will have to post them on other site such as photobucket first and then copy a link to here.
At 1979. it is old lady, so expect a major wear and tear, and watch for issues. You can ask your buyer to take you sailing, if it is warm enough where you are. This way you will know, all the parts are there and functional. Otherwise got him/her to fully rig the boat on the trailer. Spare parts are very expensive, so watch out.
Good luck.
--
Jack B
Hobie 17
BC, Canada
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 08:48 PM
Any boat under $2K is going to be an older boat. Condition is everything, a boat with sound hulls, functioning hardware, sails and tramp with life left in them, will serve you well. You'd benefit highly by finding a catsailor nearby who'd be willing to look at any potential purchase with you, to look for possible issues, and notice any missing parts. Taking a sail, or at least fully rigging the boat with the seller is extremely helpful as well to insure a good purchase.
An H18 is a good boat for your expressed needs. It will handle your weight, it's a durable boat with lots of used parts available. And with care, you can probably get your money out of it when you move onto something else. Spend some time browsing the classifieds here, and you'll begin to get a feel for what is a good deal, what weak points various boats may have. And feel free to continue to ask questions here as they arise. This is a wonderful community you're considering joining.
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 10:33 PM
I wasn't going to post this because I was worried someone might beat us to it. But it is a two hour drive from us (hence why it is too far to ask an acquaintance to come with us) and it is unlikely we will be able to sail it. We can ask to see it rigged and spend some time checking it over. I've spent time looking around the country at different boats and this does seem like a good deal despite its age if its condition is as the seller says.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/4852992814.html -
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Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 11:22 PM
I'll be down that way on Saturday if you'd like assistance checking the boat out. Has to be no later than 10:30.
It looks like a winner.
It would be great to drive it 15 min South to San Pedro and launch it from Cabrillo Beach ramp.
Lance -
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Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 01:14 AM
thats very kind of you to offer but the seller is not available this weekend. -
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Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 04:22 AM
Looks like an average to slightly above average condition 35 year old H18. The biggest thing to check by far is the condition of the hulls. Go over every inch of the hulls checking for soft spots or crunching sounds. If you find soft spots, walk away (yes they can sometimes be fixed, but sounds like you're looking for something ready to be sailed not a project boat). Also check under the hull lip where the crossbars connect to see of there is any cracking. This is a known failure area on older H18s.
Otherwise, look over every part to check condition. Holes in sails are bad. Excessive wear or repairs on sails or the trampoline are bad. Excessive corrosion on aluminum parts is bad. Check to see if the mast step is firmly riveted to the front crossbar. If it is lifting off the crossbar or is excessively loose it will require repair. Check the front crossbar around the mast step for cracks (a common failure area). Ask the seller how old the standing rigging is. If its more than 5 to 10 years or if he doesn't know, plan on replacing all wires and shroud anchor pins which will cost you several hundred dollars. Make sure all the major parts are there. Its a good idea to study the assembly manual or illustrated parts list in the hobie catalog or bring with you. Inspect the trailer very well- it has to at least be able to make the trip back to your house.
Hobie 18s are great boats. I've sailed them since 1985 and currently own 2. Just be careful looking at really old boats. If the boat was well cared for, it may be ok, but if its been neglected you may be better off in the long run finding something newer.
sm -
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Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 09:19 AM
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)
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....) -
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 12:17 PM
Thanks again for the help. I've been looking in California for the last few months and haven't seen anything much other than $12K Nacras and $3-1000 hobie 16s and 14s in various states of repair. We don't want to stretch our budget as we have a kid in college. -
**unknown user**
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 02:20 PM
I think if that light blue H18 is in good shape, I would ask if he would take $1200.00. Even as new as I am at this I would purchase it if I had not just bought one at a great price of $500.00. It had small area with soft spot but that is easy to fix even if you never have. A lot of these guys are pros and racers for sure and know their stuff but if you are just looking for casual sailing It might be wise to look around a little bit more. For instance, I purchased a H16 and will be putting for sale in March. There are new listings coming up on the Net now so I am sure more will be up for sale after tax time and just before summer! Good Luck! -
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 02:52 PM
Winter is the time to buy
value and pricing increase as sailing season starts
I would avoid any cat with any soft spots... unless you are a excelent epoxy and gelcoat (and sanding) wiz, and enjpy doing it... it ain't fun, neat nor cheap (not to bad but still,... aint the kinda think i enjoy spending my valuable free time on -
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 02:57 PM
I'm not but my older son is, he enjoys building his own longboards from scratch. He wanted us to buy two wrecked 16s but as he is away and a slow worker we didn't want two project boats sitting around forever. He has not done gelcoat work though. -
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 02:58 PM
i see MANY on this site....
http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/g1-catamarans-for-sale-page2.html
1982 AMF Trac 18
posted by holmeswake
Selling my 1982/83 AMF Trac 18 Catamaran Sail Boat . Needs some fiberglass repair on the Port side hull Deck. It has a soft spot that could get worse but the boat can be used ... $1,000.00
Prindle 18-2 with trailer,no jib $1,000 Reno NV
posted by MARCOE
Rudders,boards, beams look good, mainsail fair to poor,tramp poor, trailer good, no jib,hulls fair condtion, bottom has wear and two holes one easy to fix as it is next to the ... $1,000.00 Enter Your Zip Code
Submit 4/15/13 6:30pm
P1010481.JPG
1979 Hobie 18
posted by rssailor
Good older Hobie 18. The hulls are solid, but the port hull needs some cosmetic work. I did a deck repair on the port hull behind the daggerboard, and it is strong, but does ... $1,100.00 4/1/14 10:48pm
1982 Hobie 18 wings
posted by MARCOE
decks have no soft spots,wings in good condition,main sail fair (original) jib missing. trailer fair.tramps looks okay $1100 firm 775 827 2786 $1,100.00 7/15/13 1:44pm
Prindle 18-2
posted by MARCOE
missing jib,has nice trailer,mast,boards,rudder look okay,hull has crack next to rail (easy repair). bought at estate sale,no titles (bill of sale. $1,100.00 7/15/13 1:57pm
Blue_Streak.jpg
1980 Hobie 18
posted by Corkmaster_1
1980 Hobie 18 with Blue Streak sales, Blue Vinyl tramp, Double trap setup. I sailed this boat on Saturday with no issues. California registration is current. Boat only $1000 ... $1,200.00 9/21/14 8:26pm
DSCI0882.JPG
1977 NACRA 5.2
posted by jerzywirth
1987 Hobie 18 with trailer for sale. Comes with a few extra parts. Boat has updated casting system. New kevlar jib used very lightly. Hulls are solid except for one small soft ... $1,500.00 9/4/14 3:40pm -
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Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 03:21 PM
Thank you for looking those up for me and taking the time to copy them. I had seen some of those and had discounted them because they were from early '14 or 13. I probably should have checked. I also want this one to be good because we can get there and back in a day. Reno is 1200 miles round trip which means we would have to spend about $200 on boarding our animals plus gas and hotel. It is doable but more work and extra expense. I will keep looking
Edited by oscarlet on Jan 22, 2015 - 03:23 PM.
