Buy or not to buy...

We currently sail a Getaway and have sailed it for the past three years typically 3 to 4 times a week all day...it was our first cat..however we long for more speed...We're used to the volume of the Getaway and would like to keep some that that.

Theres currently a 2002 18sx at our local hobie dealer that was sailed ONCE...it looks BRAND NEW w/spinnaker...selling for $7,900..brand new never used sails (the originals were eaten by rodents.)

Should we sell our 2006 Getaway and go for this 18?

If speed is your jones then the 18SX will do nicely. Does it come with the SX wings? If so, then the temptation may be difficult to resist. You won't find much (any?) SX class racing as there aren't many of the boats in racers' hands. Sails for the SX in the used market are virtually unheard of, so if you need to replace them someday then factor that future cost, however it is said that Tiger main sails will fit an SX mast with little trouble. Many other parts for the boat are still available from Hobie, but ask the dealer which ones aren't.

yes it has the wings....its fully loaded....Wings...spinnaker...all tramps are in perfect condition...zero scratches on the hulls..like i said it looks and feels brand new...getting parts for it were a concern of mine

Some folks believe the Hobie 18 is the perfect balance between the ease of use and durability of a recreational boat and the thrill and speed of a racing boat. I love my 18SX, but don't have much to compare it to except the H16. The H16 is less expensive, parts galore, and still has a huge racing class, but I still prefer the 18 for a smoother, more forgiving ride. Also, you may have found one of the last "new" 18SXs, and the H18 is still a sought after boat five years after production ended and 30 or so years after its introduction.

Here's the 18 in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74JyDmAu9Zw

At that price how could you not buy it. Thats a great deal!

For sure it is a great deal.

Just ONE new Hobie 18 hull from Hobie is over 3K and if you need anything other than a Port Hull you are S%$# outta luck.

If you want to class race, it would be relatively easy to buy an old SE with delaminated hulls, in order to get the SE Rigging, and then you could have a "Convertable" LOL.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Marc985,

I envy your ability to sail 3 to 4 times per week. I'm lucky to get out twice a month.

By all means get the 18SX. It sounds like a real sweet deal.

I pass Getaways with authority all day long at our lake with my 89 18SX. I can only imagine how a new 18SX would do especially with a spin. This purchase would really give you the additional speed you desire. Plus you can experience the thrill of being double trapped off of the wings.

But you won't be able to pile 6 people on it like with the Getaway. If you have lots of people that want to sail maybe it is time to start a fleet.

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Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

Unfortunetly we decided not to buy it....I'm off to NYC to start my new job as a yacht designer.....The 18 is too much boat for my dad to sail by himself...hes already not very confident handling the Getaway...With me in NYC and him in RI...it wouldn't get that much use.

I wont be sailing 3-4 times a week anymore now thats for sure Joining the "real world"" as mom continues to say. At least i get to design yachts.

If anyone is interested the Boat is at Megrew's Boats in Charleston, RI

I got a kick out of stumbling across this thread last nite. My gf and i actually bought this cat and hauled it up to VT three days ago. It's sitting on our front lawn and we can't stop looking at it. It's comforting that some of you think it was a fair price as part of me thinks we paid too much. But there's not much for used 18's up here. Most in this area have suffered hull damage by the trailer rollers due to too many snow flakes on the tramp...
Now to learn how to *cough* sail this gem!

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'01 18SX

The 18SX is a gem...your words are correct...3 of us have H-16's...now we have a gem...the wings add so much joy and room...4 adults and 2 kids is not unreasonable...with room left over...going downwind with the spin is a sensation we never had before...learning the laces on the wing covers...the lil' sister line on the jib halyard...roller furling jib...changing from jib to spin sails in motion....learning how to sail the spin...coming here and learning that guys are doing whatever it takes to hot-rod their 18SX by adding Tiger sails...

I love the experience over the last 3 years. If you can...post some pictures. I'll show mine when I get some pictures and learn how to post here.

Pix Powderrr! You might have the newest SX out there. You'll have great fun on that boat!

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Per the dealer, the boat was purchased, sailed once and then stored for 6 years. rodents got into the sailbox somehow and customized all 3 sails during this time. Holes the size of pizzas, stains...but the sails are still crisp as new - any buyers?
So the (lame) pics I have are of the boat with the stick raised...on the trailer, over grass with leaves falling on it.
Chip (whirlwind) will be stitching us up a new sail set soon (a squarehead main!).

Enjoyed your post John - it got the mental imaging thing going.

Surf City - We can't wait until next spring - it's going to be the longest winter!

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'01 18SX