What's an excellent condition '74 worth?

Hi,
I'm looking at a 1974 Hobie 16 for sale locally that appears to be in excellent condition. The boat was built in France and shipped to Florida for a regatta and sold there.

The sails look brand new, the fiberglass is in excellent shape except for a few hairline spider cracks on the top one hull, very close to the edge. It has a new (in '98) trampoline and rudders. Most of the rigging looks very good, it needs a couple new lines. It comes with the original trailer which looks to be fine, I'd only be trailing it a couple times a year anyway.

The guy selling wants $2800. The boat is beautiful, but that seems like a lot of money for a 30 year old boat to me. I've seen similar age boats going for around $1000, but I'm sure they're not in nearly as good condition.

Anybody have any advice? Is it worth double the apparent 'going rate' for a boat like this?

Thanks,
-Merit

$2800 seems like alot for a '74. I bought an '80 for $800. Came with a trailer and beach wheels. In great condition except for some blisters in the gelcoat. I've fully restored it now, and I wouldn't expect to get more than $2500 for it. The only reason I would expect that much is because I've upgraded alot.(6:1 harken mainsheet, roller furling jub, beach wheels, newly restored hulls, etc.)

Just my opinion

_________________
Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

I snatched My 1973 for $600.00 this 16 should be like new was it re painted? Mine came with a good trailer Black mesh tramp. What type of main sheet block is on the boat? There should be indicators of how it was taken care of, like inspection ports insatalled, Comptip Mast, jib travlers ect,,, Think your half way to a new 16. I love my 73 she keeps up very well and had some wins aginst newer H-16's but it is heavyer than a newer 16.

Todd

I got my '74 for for $400 with a trailer, at first I thought I was just being nice to offer that much, the trailer was useless, the standing rigging was all the original and worthless, the boat was supposed to be yellowish-orange but it looked faded brown and stained, I really thought I was buying a junker but....

it seems that the layers of dirt caked all over the boat had actually protected it from the UV light and the ailments of mothernature... I washed the boat and was supprised to see such a quick shine. I didint do anything to my hulls and they are so clean I can see myself in them still. No softspots, the boat is georgeous! The sails were kept in the garage, and in great shape other than the dust that stained the exposed part of the sail... Luckily I had another boat that I was giving away, so I just swapped out the trailers, and kept my original trailer that was really nice. I ended up going from a early 80's cat to a '74 because the condition was 100 times better and it was cheaper!

after a few upgrades, I can easily get $1000 out of her, I spent maybe $200 on parts and new riggings and such...

Installed a comptip, new mast base/step (to replace the old hook style) new standing rigging, new lines... good as new...

Luke

I agree - that's way too much. I got my '84 with a trailer for about $800 ready to sail. If you're shopping in the $2,800 range you could look at much newer boats.

On the other hand, it would take a lot more than $800 for me to agree to part with my boat. It's sentimental value is priceless.

G

I have a 1990 you can buy for $12000