require answers..

Hello to all. As you can see I am new to this forum. I have recently purchased a 1976 Hobie 18. Its in very good condition for being 37 years old. But it does require a few items that have been worn out. Trampoline, tiller handle, some rigging and last but not least, a mast.
Now, i'm not sure I need a complete mast, but the top three feet is broke off. Its the black foam top. I have searched and have not found any solid information about replacement.
Please, any information is greatly appreciated.
D

You don't need to replace the entire mast, you can replace the upper fiberglass section (called the "comptip"). Any Hobie dealer can get you one, and they also occasionally become available on ebay and in the classified listings. Pretty much everything else you need should be available new from a dealer as well.

If you're looking for used equipment, search around the for sale listings - lots of stuff out there as these boats have been around quite a while.

I also have have a used tramp, shrouds, and a bunch of miscellaneous H18 parts. Shoot me a PM if you're interested. http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=46197

sm

give us your location Duster, there might be someone close by who can help you out first hand......

_________________
Paul Evenden
NRO, RMMCC, CJ

I'm located in Hood River, Oregon.

Forget the Hobie. Get some windsurfing gear....you're in the windsurfing capital of the US!

sm

Or a kiteboard!

Thanks guys for the advice. Ive been into kiteboarding for the past 6 years, and love it very much. I also love sailing. On my journeys south to Baja Sur during the winters, on light wind days we took Hobie Cats out to play. I enjoyed it so much I bought an old one. That being said, thats why im here. To get all the information I can from bad ass sailors to locating parts to make my H18 sweet, and possibly make some solid contacts.

So I bought a 1976 H18. It needs a little work but its all there and good for 37 years old. Jeez, writing that makes me think how old I am...
The issue that needs the most attention, is the COMPTIP, It was broke off and the previous owner made it so it was shorter and also modified the sail, yeah im surprised as well. Ill take some pictures to show you what I mean. Kind of silly.
I guess what im trying to say is that i enjoy Hobie Cat sailing, and would like to do more of it.

Thanks guys,
D

And pictures will arrive on this thread within days.

Duster,

All the parts you need are readily available. I personally wouldn't replace the comp tip unless I found a good deal on one. I would replace the mast though. There are a lot around as the boats are dwindling in their twilight and the masts seem to last beyond the other parts. I have 3 in my back yard and I look to sell a mast for between $100-200 depending on condition and whether it has a comp tip or not. Don't sweat the comptip unless you're racing. (even then, nobody will bug you until you are at a National event......or beating them)

Tamps are available through dealers, ebay, Murrays, SLO Sail.....etc,etc. Rigging can and is available from the same group but do replace all or most and DO NOT BUY USED RIGGING. Check all your pins and if you have any question......replace. Safer is better than sorry or worse, hurt. I watched my buddies mast go down last month after he bought a new boat (Not from me) and I kick myself for not reviewing the rigging before I let my son sail with him. No one was hurt.

Gear fails.....old gear fails often.

_________________
H18 '85
H18 '89 "Knotty Passion"
H20 '96 "20/20 Vision"
Fleet 259 Central Coast California

I just found out that it's not a H18.
It's a H16.

And the mast step has been welded on the trampoline frame.

Jeez, what have I done?

Wow, bummer. You need a whole new cross bar. The good thing is the 16 mast is much more common. I have a front cross bar assembly for 16 if you are interested.

I was wondering because I thought 78 was the first year of the 18.

_________________
H18 '85
H18 '89 "Knotty Passion"
H20 '96 "20/20 Vision"
Fleet 259 Central Coast California

Duster- As wscotter says, the good news is H16 parts are much more abundant. But, I would edit your original topic/ post and change the forum it should be in so you get inputs and feedback from the H16 guys. Good luck!

_________________
'95 H16 sail #101148
'89 H18 SX/ sail #1053 w/ Yellow hulls

Thanks hawk592 and wscotter. I will update the post soon. Ive got a lead on some parts to complete my 16 and i'll see how they work out in the next few weeks.

A big sincere thanks to all who have posted and helped me out with my experience with the Hobie 16.
Happy Thanks Giving to all and safe travels!!
D

Update...
I bought a 1975 16' with good sails, mast with comptip and all extra parts i need. For 200$!!
Im going to marry the two and make a Super cat!

Thanks to all who gave me input.
Question- How do I delete this post? Or move it to the 16' forum??