Good or Bad years for an 18

I have found some 18's for sale from many years, and was wondering if there is really anything wrong with some of the boats from the 80's.

Specifically 82, 84, 87, 90, and 92

i believe 84-87 had weak hulls and were known to break off right in front of the forward cross bar

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paul
1981 Hobie 18 "Knot A Clew" sail #5445

The boats that were made during the Coleman ownership are the problems. I think '84-'87 was the timeframe. The boats had delam issues and breakage problems. The sticker on the stern read Hobiecat by Coleman. '90s boats are the lightest.

How does this boat look? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-Hob ... 0605QQrdZ1

Is buying a 1984 something that should not even be considered?

Thats a nice looking 18. Has the old style rudders, no problem if lake sailing. Replace with new style if ocean sailing alot. I believe that boat is not a Coleman. I purchased the '82 18 I currently sail two years ago. It was also a fresh water use only boat which is best. The salt is hard on them over years. Check the hulls thoroughly for soft spots, especially the bows and decks. If solid, go for it. The electric winch is a great addition, not necessary but cool. Two people can rig an 18 easily without it.

Thanks for your input.

I am just confused over the good year bad year subject. Does 1984 have weak fiberglass?

I have read that 1984 was a colmean year, does that mean some boats were made before they were colemans?

If it doesnt have the coleman sticker, is it a coleman?

Is this a good boat being a 1984 to use for the next decade or so

Here is a link to a photo of the "Coleman" logo

http://www.jjds.net/hobie/coleman.jpg

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Tad Jones
1985 Hobie 18 - Redline
Magnum Wings