Hobie 16 for 300$

There's a boat for sale about 45min away, I had a buddy of mine check it out for me as I haven't had a chance to see it. I'd like your advice on it.

The tramps gone. Tx #s were from 2003, so I can assume it's been sitting at least 8 or so years. The trailer's iron and rusting bad..this is a problem since I plan on sailing in the ocean.

The goods: It's 300 and he thinks I can get it for less possibly. The stays look good, he didn't feel any soft spots, the sails were kept inside along with the rudders, the sails are crisp.

I'm just wondering if I will be better off saving my money and buying something in sailing condition on a galvanized trailer sometime in the spring...

The stays are old, they'll need replacing soon right? The tramp is going to be at least 3-400. The trailers going to need work soon, be better to try to find another trailer soon. Just seems like a 300$ projects going to turn into a 15-1800$ build.

If the sails, rudders and mast are in good shape it's likely worth $300.

Sounds like a great parts boat but hard to say if it would be worth it for a restore job. Your are likely going to put a lot of money in it either way. Cams, halyards, ropes, travelers, shrouds, traps all age quickly are likely to need replacement on any used boat. Especially if you plan to put it in the surf.

I'm not sure where you are located but used hobie trailers are not that hard to find around here. I've seen a couple for sale this summer for about $300.

Just the sails are worth $300. If haver room for the parts, it is a great deal.

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John

I live in deep south Texas, by South Padre Island. I plan to sail in a pretty protected bay, so no real rough conditions.

Sailboats(despite the location and CONSTANT winds) are few and far between here. I've spent years looking off/on and my last 3 boats have been bought up near San Antonio or Austin. I've even taken out ads to try to locate stuff, but there's not much out there anymore.

I'm going to go look at it tomorrow. If everything looks good I may pick it up and work on it.

I just don't want another money pit project. Have too many of them already and I'd like to be able to just go out and sail without having to worry about this or that.

Just nice to know that even if it's a fail project I could make my money on it in parts.