First boat advice

I'm looking to get my first boat. The only sailing experience I have is scout camp when I was a kid, though I have had power boats most of my adult life. I am leaning toward an 18 because I would like to make sailing a family event and will need the extra room. I have a few questions and would also like any advice offered.

Is the year the boat was built that important? Is a 70s boat that has been restored as good as a more recent built boat?

I understand looking for soft spots in the hulls fiberglass is important as well as the general condition of the rigging/sails, but is there something less obvious that I should look out for when buying a used boat?

I plan to use the boat mostly on lake Tahoe and maybe some of the surrounding lakes when there in more water. Should that factor into my decision?

Any other advice or helpful hints?

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Malder
Welcome to the herd.

I was in pretty much the same "boat" as you just over a year ago, and bought a 14, and a few months later sold it and got the 18. Sailing a Hobie Cat is really not hard. Like with all things, to do it well, and competitively well, is of course an entirely different story.

To take the family out on the lake on the 18 sounds great, that's what I do, when I can get them all to come along. Getaway is another good choice.

I think you basically already summed up the main points to look for. Holes, cracks, leaks, rusty cables, blocks that are seized up, improperly stored sails getting moldy, that is basically it. A good solid older boat is better than a rotten newer one for sure.

When I bought my 18 I actually found it here on the Hobiecat forum, bought it from another forum member. That was actually a comforting thing, reading older posts from the seller, and developing trust. In fact the seller was nice enough to take me to a lake near his house, showed me how to set up the boat and took us out sailing to test and show us. Five star member, Rojoyinc, thanks.

So, buy from a reputable seller, or dealer, and inspect the boat thoroughly, enjoy your Hobie.

Visit your closest Hobie dealer. Also, go to your closest Hobie fleet fun sail and test drive some of their boats.

If speed and racing is your thing, then consider the 18.

If fun sailing with the family, ease of use, and durability is your thing, then look at the Wave, Getaway, and new T2. If you find and 18 with wings then snag it.