Old vs New

I have been sailing my 1983 H16 for a few years now and love it, but it starting to show some wear.

I now have a good deal to by a 2008 H16 that has only been used six times.

What are the differences between the new and old?

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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

The frame and hulls will likely be anywhere from slightly to a whole lot stiffer. Also some of the controls have been upgraded to run more smoothly and be more user friendly (the jib cleats and the main traveller for example). The rigging and sails have been modified slightly to run with more mast rake than in the past.

Otherwise, the general design of the boat has remained unchanged over the past 35 or so years due to Hobie's strict one-design policy.

sm

There are lots of little things that have been improved since 1983. Lots.

The sails are much higher quality.
The rudder system works well and is adjustable (rake and toe-in). H20-style tiller connectors (the best).
Trampoline is much higher quality.
Aussie jib halyard system is standard.

European style corner castings (stiffer)
Integated traveler tracks.
racing rudders.
6:1 harken main blocks.
adjustable jib traveller.
new boat will be 20+ lbs lighter.
I was in the same situation as you back in 2002.I spent a lot of money upgrading an old boat,then in 2006 bought a new boat.In hindsight I should of went new right off the bat.New boats are faster period.

John 4 years ago I had an 81 H16 in good shape. I used it alot but it was all orginal and I felt it needed all new rigging for safety and the sails were rags. So I thought about the cost of basically replacing all the parts out for new which was less expensive than a new boat, but in the end I would still have an old boat. I decided on a new boat and have never looked back, I LOVE THIS BOAT! I tell myself that everytime I use it. Go for the newer boat, you will be very glad you did!

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

I bought the boat! It is a 2008 that was sailed only one season. It is unbelievable clean.

I paid less than 5K and got the following extras -

Huge cat box
Hot stick
3 full harnesses
1 half harness
Slim jib battens to minimize hang up when tacking
Galvanized trailer with winch and rotating rear mast support

One weird thing - We went to the storage yard where the boat had sat for 20 months. There was a bleached out skull and bones on the tramp. I think it was from a possum. I kept the skull - looks kind of cool.

_________________
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