Used H16 Advice

I have my eye on http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/boa/1800193409.html. This would be my first Hobie 16. What additional information should I get from the seller before I decide to buy? Does the provided information throw any red flags? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Zane

The photos are too distant to make any serious evaluation. It looks to be a good boat for its age.

Soft spots would be the greatest concern.

Looks good to me. Go check it out in person. Soft spots are the main problems with older boats. Press on the decks, especially the front half. They can be used to get a better price as they can be fixed. Check the wear on the sails and all the rigging. From the description it looks like it has been well kept. The price seems pretty fair for a boat and trailer in good condition and ready to sail. Good luck, you won't regret it.

You should really check the cat yourself before considering to buy it. Often you can't tell what it would be like in real, when you just have some photos.
Normally you should check the underwater hulls (for corrasion, dings etc.), deck (soft spots -> early hc's are prone to soft spots).
Is there any distortion when you are lifting just one of the hulls. It should be common that there is a rigidity.
Are there any service hatches? It can be a hint for some recently accomplished repairs.
Check the gaskets at important places.
Check the sails for patches, batten-pockets, clew plates ...

There is so much more, and these things are not true for every HC, just take a look and decide with a gut instinct

Nice sails by the way ...

Greets,
Seb