which is the better boat to buy? h18

ok- so i've located a couple of boats that i think are in good shape.
havent physically seen either yet, just descriptions.

is there any advantage over either of these vintages?
the first is a 1985 magnum, no wings, mesh tramp, the other is a 1988, possibly redglue, regular tramp

assuming condition were equal, which would you buy?

thx

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

An 18 magnum by definition has wings...if it doesn't have wings, it ain't a magnum.

All else being equal, I'd probably go with the '88 since it's a coulple years newer. But really, when you're talking about boats this old, condition is everything. Inspect them both real well, consider what extras are included, and weigh the asking prices. Your decision should be pretty easy at that point.

Consider yourself lucky to have a couple boats to chose from.

sm

"red glue" would only applicable to the '85, since Hobie Cat only used it for a couple of years (84-85) before they reverted back to the darker colored glue.

Three year's difference is not that significant. The three things you need to be concerned about are condition, condition and condition.

If condition and price are identical I would take the '88. If the '85 is in better shape and price is same, I go for the '85. The condition of boat and sails is the most important thing to consider, and look at it all. Check out the daggers, rudders, sails, everything!

If at all possible, take someone that KNOWS Hobie's.
Even if you have to pay them a little for their time.
They can save you a ton of grief and a wheelbarrow full of money.

If possible take a parts catalog with a price list in the back.

Tramp 5-6 hundred bucks
Sails 1400 or so
Daggers 350 each i think
Rudders not cheap.
Hulls 7K per pair PLUS SHipping
IF you can find them.
There IS still one set for sale.
If you know where to look.

Someone that KNOWS what he is looking at will be worth his weight in gold

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

Some other things to consider when comparing boats of that vintage...

The 1985 boat would not have been sold with front crossbar reinforcement plates installed from the factory. I would highly recommend that if the boat does not have these, that you install them. Also, you absolutely want to check under the crossbar mounting flanges and inspect for cracks or signs of damage. If the boat does not have the S/S reinforcement plates installed (4 bolts thru the hull), I would probably tend to steer away from it. The 1988 boat should have the reinforcement plates installed from the factory.

Also, I would pop the port hole covers and just inspect the quality of the glass lay-up inside the hull. This past weekend, I picked up a 1990 18 that is in real good shape. Looking inside the hulls, the quality of the lay-up between the 1990 boat and my old 1985 boat is night & day.

If the boats are located in a salty (corrosive) environment, you also want to throughly check all aluminum components. The boat I bought was from an inland state and more than likely never saw salt water- it shows. There is virtually no corrosion, even after 20 years.

Again, consider yourself lucky that you've got two boats to consider. I'd take advantage of that and make it a point to go see both before making a decision.

sm

how much do these plates cost,
and can i install them myself?

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

I believe the plates are $35 for a pair, and you'd need two pair to do the front crossbar (inboard and outboard anchors on each hull).

If you know how to use a rachet wrench, allen wrench, screwdriver, and a hand drill, you can do the install. All you do is unbolt the crossbar, remove the existing anchor bar and install the new anchor plate. Use the holes in the plate as a drill template and drill the holes into the hull. Remove the plate, install silicone around the holes, re-install the plate, fasten the four bolts thru the hull, and re-install the crossbar bolt. Then repeat for the other three anchors.

The point is though that if the '85 boat doesn't already have the plates installed, you want to look real carefully under the hull flanges. After 25 years of sailing without the reinforced plates, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find cracks under the lip. If there a no cracks, I'd say you're probably fine to buy the boat. If there are significant cracks, you've likely got some fairly major repair work to do.

sm

thanks-
well its boiled down to this-going to see these boats tomorrow!

asking price on the 1985 is $1500. all new rigging, vinyl tramp, sails good.
still waiting to find out about the supports. epo rudders

asking on the 1988 is $2,000. mesh tramp, apparently well taken care of.
new ports professionally installed, sails good, epo rudders, large wheels on trailer

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

Don't forget that the rudder system changed in 1987 to the current system. Some sailors report the old rudder system didn't kick up if not properly maintained.