Buying a New or Used 2014 TI

Hey everybody I'm new here so this post may not be in the correct place but I'm learning. So I have the chance in the near future to buy a 2014 TI that's been slightly used and has a trailer included for around 6k but I was wondering if it would be better to hold out a while and try to get a newer model and then have to shell out around 8k after a trailer and such. I've looked around and I can't seem to notice much difference in the models except maybe some cosmetic features and things like weight and the seats. Any opinion or thoughts on this would be great. Also in advance I do not have a lot of disposable income but this boat has stolen my heart and I am dead set on getting one within the year.

Thanks all,
-Ish

The seats were a huge upgrade.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Well if seats are the only major issue I could always replace them with the newer models and still save a lot of money, right? I really would like to know from somebody how the ropes hold up and if there should be any need to replace them on a model this old or should they be fine? Basically I don't wanna have to invest a lot of money back into the older model rather than buying a brand new one, especially since I plan on making a rack for the back like MechanicMike69's model on youtube and some custom hakas.

Thanks,
-Ish

Ish,
Yes, you can replace the seats, however they are not cheap. Depending on your location US$470/ AU$650 EACH! Also due to the seatwell re-design upgraded seats sit very high and are not great in kayak mode.
There are other advantages with the '15+models, though as Tom said the seats are the most significant. Reverse bows, remote seat drains, anodised x-bars/akas, repositioned tiller, stronger transom come to mind (some of these may be on the '14 depending on when it was made).
The '14 model does have the advantage of handles!!!
You shouldn't have to replace ropes/rudder lines etc if the TI has been stored out of the weather. Our TI is a 2010 and still going strong.

Like Stringy said, lines should be ok. Even if you have to replace them you're not looking at a huge expense. You only have one sail control line. The rudder control and up/down lines are dyneema and shouldn't have degraded in 3 years.

FWIW the seats were a game changer for me. I test sailed a 2014 and absolutely loved it. Though I didn't enjoy sitting in a puddle. That's why I waited and got a 2015. I would have bought a TI regardless.

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_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

I wouldn't 14 is before the hull change, and before the new seats probably worth maybe $5000 with the trailer. Trailer new is $1500 with cradles

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