Looking to get back into sailing...

Quite a few years ago, I sailed a beat up 16 for a long time. Now that that boat is gone, I was thinking of getting another one.

First off I was trying to decide if I wanted to go with a 16 or something larger. I would be sailing it myself 50% of the time. I didn't really fine the 16 too difficult to handle on my own, but I have no experience with the larger boats. Also, I would be purchasing used, and I rarely see any > 16' show up when compared to 16's.

If I were to go with a 16', should I only be looking at post 1983 boats with the lighter hulls? There is a few hobie fleets in my area, so I would like to join and race with them. Seems like another reason to get a 16' as so many other people have them and race them.

I would be on small to medium sized lakes in the midwest.

Anyways, I would appreciate any opinion. Thanks.

Welcome Back!

My first question is exactly what part of the midwest are you in?

More conversation with your local fleet/s is in order to determine the best choice since racing is on your priority list. They can probably help you find a good boat as well.

Used 18's are not too expensive, obviously need some assistance (bag or pole) to right solo, but so does the 16. Unfortunately, 18 racing is dwindling but some localized pockets remain...which brings us back to my first question???

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

I'm in Des Moines. The lake closest to me has a hobie fleet, and a lake to the north-west also has one. I would also be trailering the boat and sailing on The Chain of Lakes north of chicago (rarely).

I'll have to send an email out to them to see what they said. I just thought I would ping this forum and get some opinion on what I should be looking for in a boat. My last boat was free, so I didn't have alot of decision making to do:)

Glad you are coming back, the 16 makes a pretty good single hand boat. I have several friends that sail 16 solo all the time and they love them.

If you plan to race look for a good boat, but alot of the speed is just going to be skill on the boat. For the longest time I could outrun my friends on their 16's on my 14 because i sailed so much more than they did, then when I got the 5.2 they smoked me at first but now I am catching up again.

Where are you located?

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

You sir are in the thick of 16 and 20 country.

Division 7http://www.hobiecatdivision7.org/
Fleet 84http://www.marshallnet.net/~pod/hobie.htm

Did you call Jim Sohn at the Sailing Center? 515.554.0680

You need to find a 16 now, and get your butt down here to Lawrence, Kansas for the Daggerless Regatta on April 28th and 29th.
http://www.div14.hobieclass.com/site/hobie/div14/downloads/2007RegattaFlyers/04-28-07%20Daggerless.pdf

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

MSWANSON There is a hobie 16 for sale in Lawerce KS (where all us Iowans are going in 3 weeks) for resonable. John is right, you should come down there (4 hours from DSM) and sail with us. Call Sohn, he'll be able to help you out too, he's in Windsor Heights right off of 235.
Contact me if you need any help
[email protected]
Clear Lake

Ya, what was I thinking!!!

Quinns' old boat is for sale
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=6470

Damn good boat, I owned it before Quinn, raced it and we were competitive. I have no idea what it weighs, but it is solid. Only thing you could possibly add is EPO rudders and H20 tiller connectors. He's selling it because he found a '94 model. BTW, you'll get the '94 trailer w/12" wheels and a huge box (Quinn likes the old trailer better )

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

We'll swing by and you can caravan down with us early Friday 4/27. John, what time are we playing golf?

I contacted the seller, and we'll see if the boat is still for sale. I might have a look at it this weekend. Looks pretty nice. A lot nicer then the other 16' I sailed. I was pretty broke back then and so was the boat. I wasn't always sure if it would hold up the next time out. I don't even want to guess at how old it was. Still was fun.

Don't forget the regatta, we'll have a novice class for 16s, will be a ton of fun.
If you contact me off list [email protected] I can get you on our email list for this area.

That sounds like a pretty good deal for the boat. I'd jump on it. That one of the really great things about a beach cat, if you just looking to get into it, it is really affordable to get into.