Finding a set of wings.

I am looking for an 18 in the midwest area & what few I have found don't include wings.
Is it going to be hard to come across a used set of wings ?
I have seen some previous posts about people parting out their 18s but thought that might be rare.

Regards,
Christopher

Yes finding a Hobie with wings will be tough, and a little expensive. I bought two Hobie 18's this year an,a beat up 81 with great trailer for 1000$ and 84 with crappy trailer and great boat for 700$. I mixed in matched to make a perfect boat. In my area there were no 18's with wings, the nearest was 200 miles away and was 2100$ If you see an 18 being parted out, the wings are probably the first to go.

I have a buddy who owns a manufacturing shop, and I have asked him about making some wings. He said it wouldn't be that expensive, cheaper than new, especially if you replace all the rounded/bent aluminum with strait aluminum bars.

I love to trap out and wings get in my way, so I have no hurry for wings.


On a different note, I went sailing Sat and Sun and I was freezing both days, Sunday with a wet suit on too, I live in San Diego. It only gets to the high 50's low 60's But I decided to put my boat away for the winter, unless its a hot day with wind, it does happen here. I am a woosie when it comes to the cold. Thats why I need wings, to help stay dry.

_________________
ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277

Thanks much for the helpful info!

Since I have not been on one what is it about the wings that get in your way ? I thought they put you further out & helped to sail the boat flatter.

Thanks !

Not sure either on how wings get in the way as far as trapping goes but trapping from wings definately adds a degree of more difficulty especially for us older guys! Once out there though.....be ready for a thrill! Magnum wings will limit how far aft you can trap out due to their shorter length which on a screaming broad reach, can be a problem. SX wings are longer and project further forward and aft (see link).

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=12780

Tom