18 too big for a first-timeR?

I have very limited sailing experience---mostly renting boats at Caribbean resorts. I'm looking to get into the sport,however, and i have the opportunity to buy a 1983 18' Hobie Cat in great condition for 2000$.

I plan on sailing on Lake Pontchatrain, so some shelter. Is this too much boat for my first purchase? And is the price reasonable? I looked through the classifieds on this site and it seemed competitive.

Thanks!

First question short answer is yes. Based on your response, which was good but somewhat brief. With the qualifier maybe that you could do it if you are a DIY with some mechanical experience or there is good dealer locally for those odd little questions. Or there is a good, supportive local group.

I looked at a full range of boats and the 18 was a bit too big for me to handle solo. Mainly the rigging and moving the boat around. Weight is about 400 lbs. See here. Plus it requires crew usually. If storing mast up is available, the weight thing is not so much of a prob.

Smaller boats were the attraction. I got a brother-in-law doctor in NO that I would like to get onto a cat.

I am sure all the 18 fans will swoop in and correct this post now...

The 18 can be a busy boat, especially for someone new. I grew up sailing and soloing 16's and that is as close to a perfect first boat I can think of. It is simple yet fast and fun. That being said the 18 is not something that you can't learn on. All of the older hobies are pretty straight forward and you don't have to play with all of the adjustments the 18 has to offer starting out. It is a lot more stable than a 16, especially in the ocean. I have an 18 sx now and its a wonderful boat. If you have your heart set on an 18 I say go for it. If you are just looking for an affordable way to introduce yourself to Hobies than take a look at the 16.

I would say go for it, provided you are buying a sound boat. That is a more important issue. With patience and perseverance, some good reading, and maybe making some friends who can teach you a thing or two, the 18 is a very forgiving boat. Set yourself a wind speed limit of 8-10 knots at first. Practice only with the main if you have to. The boat is very stable. Learn how to power it up and to depower it using the main and its adjustments. Tons of good tips here. Become very well acquainted with the terms to make sure you understand 100% what is being said and put it to practice. Ask away any doubts people here will help you.

Thanks for the responses. I spoke to the guy who currently owns the boat, and he expressed similar sentiments...ie, you don't need to take the sails all the way in until you feel comfortable. I'm also somewhat concerned with loading, unloading...will I be able to do this myself? My attraction to the 18 over the 16 is that I can buy it now, at what seems like a very good price of 2k. At the risk of having one of you folks snatch it up

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/boa/1756277994.html

(if posting this ad violates any TOS, my apologies and feel free to delete).

IMO the price for that boat is on the money. The fresh paint does concern me as it makes me think repairs have been done, these boats have excellent gelcoat that lasts a long time. Are the crossbars and mast painted as well? If not they appear in excellent shape which again would make me think the hulls have been repaired, if the hulls were faded the crossbars and mast would be as well.

I took the plunge this week last year, with no experience on an H18.

I read every page of this section on the forum. I also asked questions and learned what I needed to know to stay safe by heeding the advice folks here were kind enough to offer.

I'm 52, 6ft., 210lb., and I sail solo usually.

If you are determined, you can take on the 18.

It would be worth a trip to take a personal look at the boat, though for 2K you can hardly go wrong with a trailer. Check the hulls for soft spots, particularly up front around the crossbars, inspect inside of the hull through the port, see if they have been reinforced. Also, ask about the paint job and what is the original color of the hulls, I'm guessing it is also yellow in keeping the paint job. If no repairs have been made and it's just a paint job, when it fades and is no longer good maybe some due restoration to the original gelcoat will be in order.