Advice on buying parts

Hi, I recently bought a used Hobie and am in the process of upgrading a bunch of the hardware....items like jib travelers, lance cleats, snap shackles, etc. Does anyone have a suggestion on a good online merchant for these items? I know Murray's has everything, but the prices look a bit high. Maybe there's no way around it though?

Anyhow, all suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Welcome to the wonderful world of marine hardware.

Everything is expensive.

Hobie dealers will sometimes give discounts to fleet members. You can try that route if you're close to one and a fleet member.

I've picked up a few things online from Salty Dog. But yeah, there is not a lot of discounting on Hobie parts. I've found terrific deals on eBay for other aftermarket vendors like Harken and such.

there are several online dealers around
You right there not a lot of discounting of Hobie parts, most prices are going to be the same you must find a place that offers service and helps you get what you need w/o all the extra stuff to run a ticket up.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

What dealer has best online ordering? (where I can search for a cataloge number) have the item come up and add it to my cart.

Also- any good source on GOOD "RED" line - main and jib lines. I bought some black (I think was from Murrays) and not nuts about it - it's white inside and the white starts to show through in spots.

Also - I need a new Tramp (HObie - blue) and will move my current one to my older boat that has orange (solid type) I don't like the solid - to slippery (some say dryer) but if you get it wet on top - doesn't drain - mesh allows splashes up - but drains water back down and isn't stay wet. So I prefer the mesh.

So looking for good online dealer. I'd prefer some line that doesn't get fuzzy so fast from the cleats. MAybe something with a bit of sheen? I see black at home depot - CHEAP - but looks like nice stuff) problem is - it's black.

I also need line to tie 2 tramps - I have bungee on mine now and HATE it.... it looks good except in one place where it has a bit of wear - the outer coating broke and now I have 200 rubber bands (interior) that is about to let loose. I don't recommend bungee line in the tramp at all. Not that I'm an expert by any means.

I am obviously biased when it come to what dealer to recommend. I know our cart is being reworked so you can search for part numbers.
Download a Hobie parts catalog to get part numbers.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

Rojoy,

First off, any line you buy @ Home Depot or you local hardware store is great for at home use, but usually is not rated for "marine use" and will not perform well on your boat.

There are different ways to pick where your spend your "boating dollars". Any time I have to go into West Marine, I envision a knife getting a little closer to a Hobie Dealers heart. Same thing for Murray's, and usually the Hobie Dealer's prices are about the same.


When possible, support your local dealer (if there is one) if not I recommend you support the dealers that support Hobie sailors online.

Three that come to mind are
Jeremy @ Surf City Cats in California,
Brad @ Sunjammers in Florida,
Aris @ Mariner Sails in Dallas.

These men give freely of their time and knowledge and we are all better for their efforts.

You may spend a few pennies more on a particular part than buying from other sources, BUT you will generally get the right part the first time, and they will often save you money in the long run because of their intimate knowledge of the boat you are buying parts for.

If you are new to your Hobie Cat, their wisdom and depth of knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to you as you bring your boat up to speed.

I have done business with all three of them and can vouch for the quality of their service.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

THANKS for the info. I agree - Murrays just had best online order I'd found so far. Will try some others. They do sometimes send the wrong stuff. (ordered 12" foam tiller handle and was shipped 5-6" rubber ones. Oh well they still work - just not what I was after.
My two dealers ( in MI ) are both quite far from me = ( and have no online ordering. I'd love to make a trip to go visit one - but not sure how much hobie stuff they have. (would be the Gull lake dealer)

Just went to sunjammers - I see some parts - I want to order

main line (red)
jib line (red)
and black - tramp line (2 sets) but I don't see line/rope on the site or lengths required.

would be nice if you sold them in cut lengths for each?
I'd just love to toss them in my cart and pay as I'm not sure of exact required length or thickness's required.
Seems I recall one is 35 ft? (main) ? I want high end line...

Help?

Give Brad a call.
He KNOWS the correct lengths. (one of the benefits to doing business with a Hobie Dealer)

If you want to do the research yourself, go to the Hobie Company site. They have an online catalogue with all that information.

My local dealer is quite a distance from my home. However, often times I can order parts from him and he can have them drop shipped directly to my home.
(for a small fee)

No matter where you order parts online you are going to have to pay some sort of shipping fee.

Good Luck !

Stephen

_________________
If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

great idea! I will work on that, maybe after lunch. I am working on "kits" for people to buy with the common needed parts in them

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

I can vouch for Aris at Mariner Sails. Great guy! Very friendly and knowlegable. I am sure Jeremy and Brad are as well.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic