Newbie alert ....... Model ID and restoration tips

I may be in the wrong area but I figure you folks can help a newbie.

Some years back I bought a Hobie that was sitting in a yard along the lake I live on. I am sure you all have seen them. The pontoons seem solid, no delam, but weather beaten with some scratches and digs. Mast, rigging, and tramp all there..... in a pile. I had some limited experience on a Hobie in San Diego years ago and figured I would restore this one. I got transferred out of state, so it has sat for 5 years and I am just getting back to it. All advice will be gratefully received.

First up, Model ID. After reading some of the FAQ's and company info, I went to the aft end and checked the pontoons. The port pontoon has the number CCM669580578 S. The starboard pontoon has CCM69580578 S. Notice that the first one has an extra 6 at the beginning, which is confusing me. Also, I have no idea what the "S" stands for. I know it is a Coast Catamaran manufacture, and I think it was built in May, 1978. Am I right? What is the S?

Second, what is the right way to measure it. If I measure from the tip of the pontoon to the rear of the pontoon, it measures 16"7". What is it, a 17 footer or a 16 footer?

I have never done any restoration, but I am a carpenter by trade and am sure I can handle this, but any tips to point me in the right direction to get started will be received with gratitude.

Mick

I'm working on a 14 in pretty rough shape too. No delam that I can find but at least two coats of sloppy brushed on paint to remove. I've been reading the "help with repairs" forum and picking up tips for 3 months now and I continue to pick up new (to me) tricks each time I re-read them.

My guess on the starboard hull is that whoever etched in the code accidentally skipped a 6. I believe the S means a second quality for some minor reason (so I've read). Can't find my ID numbers due to all the paint, but I'm still hopeful.

Sail number is 1755 on a white sail, but I haven't seen a sail number chart yet.

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Bruce

The hand-engraved numbers are often hard to read correctly - especially on an old boat.

The fourth character is a letter, not a number.

CCM B is a Hobie 16.

The next four characters are number and are the actual serial number of the boat:
6958

Then there should be an "M", then two numbers (the model year) and then a letter (A - L) that indicates the month of manufacture, starting with August of the year prior to the model year.

The extra "S" does stand for a factory second, which were common in the late 70's. The designation "A1" was also used for the same thing.

So, your "real" number (guessing) should be CCMB6958M78B S - a 1978 model made in September of 1977.

That was a time period when Hobie Cat was making thousands of boats a year and was overwhelmed by demand. It was a very giddy time at the factory. I wouldn't be surprised if the person engraving the number got "confused" when marking your hulls.

Bottom line - it's a Hobie 16 - have fun! Post some photos!

Thanks, blord and mbound. Mbound, nice to hear from someone in my State of Michigan. I live on Gun Lake, over on the west side of the State. As I begin the process, I will absolutely post photos. I have a graduation (youngest daughter) to pull off and I am using the time to research the process of restoring this cat. It clearly needs gelcoat, as it is a very faded orange color that looks terrible. Given that I am an Irish musician, I thought I would give it an Irish flair in the paint, as well as having a harp on the sail. I would imagine there are folks out there that will do that sort of thing for a fee, yes? I am pretty excited about the project.

I love traditional Irish music. Is this what you play? I try to make the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas every year but missed this year because of a prior commitment. Have you ever been there? Have fun with the Hobie!

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Yes, I play trad, pub, ballads, and songs of the Irish around the world. I haven't played the NTIF but you must know of my very good buddy, Jed Marum? I have sang backup on several of his CDs. A lot of my friends have performed there. I hope to get down there next year.

I am anxious to be about getting this Hobie shipshape.

You might want to check out this video before you do anything too drastic.


http://www.youtube.com/user/SurfCityRac ... 4sEyot5A_o

If the hulls are sound and its just been sitting around for a while, it may be better off than you think.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Would love to see you at NTIF. Its a great venue that attracts a lot of folks and great performers. I have heard of Jed and I believe he is performing at the Four Winds Renaissance Festival in Troup, TX this coming weekend, which is very near where I live. Mark your calendar for the first weekend in March for NTIF.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

If you can, be sure to see Jed. And tell him that his fellow Beef Brother Mick says "hello". He is a great performer, and a magnificent songwriter. He had a friend from back east who set out to sail solo around the world and was lost. Jed wrote a magnificent song about him called "Wind's Will" on his Miles From Home CD.

Fair winds.