Should I buy it?

Hey folks. I am new to sailing, although I have wanted to learn all my life. I have been looking for a Hobie cat, or something similar, on which my kids and I could learn a little about sailing and have fun while we're at it. I came across a '04 Hobie Cat 5m (which I suppose is a 16) for sale here in San Juan, PR (salt water...lots of it). Looks to be in good shape. Owner says it has a new jib and the main is original and in good shape. Hulls look good, the kind with a bit of a skeg or keel, rather than dagger boards. It's on a trailer, which looks in good shape, although I haven't inspected the trailer or boat closely. Owner says $3,000 firm. From what I see on the internet, that is probably a decent price, although the market may be different in Puerto Rico than in the states. I don't know squat about cats of any kind. What do you think? Do I buy, or do I keep looking?

Skeg or keel? Sounds like the boat is a Hobie 17 and not a 16. Try posting in the Hobie 17 forum, too.

Actually it sounds like a Getaway or not a Hobie at all. Pictures would help a lot.

You may be right. Doesn't say Hobie anywhere on it. Not only that, but I misunderstood the guy on the phone. It is a 1984, not 2004. He said he won't go under $3K for it because it cost him $6K in 1984. He probably forgot that was 22 years ago. I do that sometimes myself. The hulls look good, no cracks, glass in good shape. Tramp looks ok, although I would replace the bungies. There was water in the hulls, but I'm sure that came from the inspection holes. Caps on the aft ones were in bad shape. rigging is SS, shows some discoloration, but no rust to speak of. Trailer is galvanized, looks road worthy. The shape of the hulls is like the 18' cat that Wooden Boat sells plans for. No dagger board, just a sort of cross between a skeg and a keel. He has the sails and other accessories stored, so I didn't get to see those. Now that I know it's a 1984, I am thinking $3k is high, even though it appears to be in good shape. Any opinions?

Hey PrNewbie,

Are you kidding ??? 3K for an 84 ??? I don't think so, unless it's a Tornado, and then I'd have questions !!! I paid $700 for my 85 H16. Of course, I've put about $1,000 into it but I know what I've got. It's a solid boat that I would take anywhere. My advice is to keep searching. Don't get anxious. The deal you want will come to you.

Happy Sailing,

David

I agree, no way would I pay 3K for a 22 year old boat with water in the hulls. If there's water in the hulls, more than likely the foam core sandwich is saturated and there may be delam problems. I don't know where you are located, but Hobie's come up for sale all the time on Craigslist. I'd keep looking and be patient. Make sure you get solid hulls, and that your sails are in good shape.

ditto, not for '84... UNLESS IT WAS IN THE ACCLAIMED MOVIE, WHAT ABOUT BOB!

(inside joke)

Now that is just flat funnie!!!!!