Buying a used Wave

Hi! I new to sailing and am trying to buy a used Wave, I have done some searching on this forum and have not really found if there is a checklist of items to look for when buying a used Hobie. I am sure it must be easy to spot if the trampoline is wrecked and if the floats are damaged but overall is there some things I am looking for when buying a Wave?

Also I read somewhere that the wave was fiberglass until 1999? Is this correct?

Thanks for the help and wish me luck in learning how to sail...

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Brian

As far as I know, the Wave was introduced circa '99 as the first roto-molded polyethylene hulled Hobie cat. It has a completely different design than the fiberglass H14. At just under 14' it doesn't require licensing in many states, and has a huge amount of displacement for a 14 footer.

As the owner of a new Wave in 2001, I'd look to make sure there were no deep gouges in the hulls, the tramp and sail should be as non-UV-damaged as possible, or the price should be commensurate. Check the standing and running rigging for replacement issues. Do the rudders lock up and pop down easily? Make sure the mast looks OK, especially the base fitting. Are there any gouges in the front crossbar that look like some torque was applied when raising/lowering the mast? Is it the Club or the SE? That can make a difference, depending on how you're planning on using it. Is the tiller crossbar straight? Are there any marks on the mast where it hits the rear crossbeam? Are the skegs or rudders scuffed? How does the trailer look? Is it rusty? Do the lights work? Does it have a Toy Box for sail storage? I almost immediately had problems with the neoprene pads coming unglued from the hulls, but that's the price you pay for a "non-stick" polyethylene hull. The graphics will most likely have the same issue. I'm a purist, and I don't mind if they peel off with the help of some Goo Gone.

Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Good luck! The Wave is a fun boat to get into cat sailing, or sailing in general with.

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Sea ya,
Chris Larsen
Co-Pilot of the Hobie Getaway
"The Twins"

~~(\_~~

Check out these threads http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=9517 and http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=9466
Both of these have some good info.

If you look at the boat, you can determine the year by looking at the last 2 digits of the hull ID No (hand engraved), located on the upper transom near rudder mounts. I am pretty sure Hobie started making the Wave around 1994, about the time they phased out the old 14. The Wave was always roto-molded PE.

They are pretty near indestructable, damage to hull, if there is any, should be evident as cracks, if there severe impact or other stresses. Probably not common. BUT not repairable either, if severe.

At any rate, if the owner can't tell you the last time the rigging wires (stays) were replaced, or even if they can, plan on replacing them. These are not too expensive, really cheap insurance against a dismasting due to broken stay, which you don't want.

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave