Looking to buy H16 used... what to look for and AVOID?

Looked at 3 in the past week, and so far nothing that doesn't need decent work.

My big questions have to do with the hulls. How much repair work is not cost effective for the average sailor? I am very handy but have no fiberglass experience. Are minor soft spots a cause for immediate attention or can they wait? What are the risks? Here's the basic rundown on the boats I found so far... all under $700.

1) Very stiff tramp without straps, LH Hull had noticeable flex/ soft spots between pylons. Sails had some minor tape on batten pockets but in good shape. Needs blocks. Trailer in rough shape. Good mast, boom, rudder assemblies, rigging

2) Mismatched hulls, RH needed new paint since was repaired (solid), LH hull had soft spots between pylons and bow. Decent tramp, rudder assemblies, rigging, mast, and boom. Sails incl but did not see, said to be good shape. No trailer.

3) Has not been in water for years and shows. Inspection port just in front of both forward pylons, water in each hull. Minor soft spots. Sails in good shape, rigging, tramp, rudder assemblies all in good shape. Trailer in rough shape and not road worthy.

Thanks.

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

Honestly, if you're only looking at boats that are under $700, you're pretty much just looking at people's junk. These are most likely boats that have been neglected and will probably need a lot of work (i.e. money) to get into decent, safe, sailable condition. Of course there are exceptions to this, but in the majority of cases, cheap = trash.

Yes, soft spots are cause for concern. How much concern depends on their size and location, but in a nut shell, a soft spot means that the hull is coming apart. It is a major structural issue and can lead to total hull failure so it needs to be addressed immediatly.

If you can swing buying a boat in the $2500 to $3500 range you'll be much better off. Even $1500 can get you a lot better boat that is complete, in decent condition, and ready to hit the water. If you can't afford to pay that much, you may want to reconsider getting a boat right now because what you save up front, you will likely end up paying for anyway in repairs and frustration. More often than not, $700 boats are parts boats.

sm

Run away from all three.

I knew I could count on good quick advice from more experienced folks on here, thanks.

SRM, I only looked at those 3 so far cause they were the closest ones to me; my budget is up to $2K w/ trailer and reg. fees. Looking within 3 to 4 hrs away.

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

You might check NJ Craiglist, 'jersey shore'. Theres a 95 there for 1800 as well as others that look worth a look. There are hundreds of Hobie 16's in NJ and they go fairly reasonably.

Also check southern nj, north nj, central nj, see what turns up.

Definitely avoid those 3 - Keep watching, and spread your search (claz.org covers craigslist all over the country), someone will eventually sell something for a good price - just sold my 79 16 for 750$ to a guy in North Dakota, I"m in colorado, and it's a great boat, I just didn't want to keep paying the upkeep of two boats. Patience is key, also, if you buy a boat at the end of the season, they will get cheaper.

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1985 Hobie 16 86068

Bassie,
thanks for the the suggestion of dif. site to look on... and no, not planning on buying those fixer uppers. Waiting 'till the end of season is an option cause I have my H14T to play with, but would rather upgrade now

Chris,
Waiting on replies from sellers of the NJ ones I found. I know there's tons of inventory in NJ, & out in Long Island too. Unfortunately too many people have one rotting away in a back yard or beach somewhere and would rather hang on to them and let get in such a state that only an experienced sailer looking for a project boat would want to mess with them.

Thanks for the suggestions... keep 'em coming.

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

...............redacted

Thanks to all who have replied to this topic and for your suggestions and ideas. I am now the owner of a very gently used '84 H16 with matching Tsunami sails. I does need some new rigging and such, but nothing major.

Anyone have a "baby bob" mast float and/ or a recent model LG or XLG trapeze not being used, PM me or reply to this post.

Also, will probably be putting H14T on market soon.

Bring on the warmer air and water temps!

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

Congratulations!
If you have to replace the shrouds you might want to get part #20100000H16 (Anchor Pin). I learned the hard way. Mine looked perfect until...tink.... and slowly lost the whole shooting match...splash! I think they come as a pair.

I bought a 1980 last year for $1500 that was in great shape. I sailed it all last summer (2010). It was well loved and well-used by the previous owner, who had moved on to bigger boats about 5 years ago and had the Hobie-16 in storage.

Cosmetically it is a mess, but no soft spots and everything was functional. I think I can get another couple seasons from the sails. I did replace about $100 in parts over the winter to avoid having critical stuff break for next summer.

It was also missing some parts for the double trapeze, that I had to purchase. Again $100, but sailing with a double trapeze is nice but not necessary.

This is not a race-ready boat and never will be, but for recreational sailing off the Vineyard in summer, I think it is one of the best $1500 I have ever spent!

Do not be scared by older boats. This 31-year old veteran is the love of my life!

So I am slowly customizing the cat to my liking and I've come to a halt. Any suggestions on how to get those 26 yr old hull stripes off would be awesome! Thanks.

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

They should be vinyl - I took mine off my old 81 hobie by using a heat gun and blade

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1985 Prindle 16