College student/sailor/racer looking to get started

Hello everyone,

I've had the hobie bug for about three years now since sailing a 16 in a regatta my school sponsored (which I somehow managed to get 2nd in despite it being my 3rd time sailing a 16). I've been looking casually since then, and finally am ready to look more seriously.

I race 420's for Webb Institute in Long Island, so I am already involved in racing--that's one big thing I'd like to do with the hobie. I have been focusing on the 16's as there seems to be a great availability, plenty of competition out there, and they're a hell of a lot of fun. My questions are as follows:

-Should I be considering a boat other than the 16?
I'd like to get a boat for around 3500 or less. That brings me to my next question.

-How old can a boat be and still be competative?
I know condition is the main factor, but it's harder to gauge than age. I'm sure you know what I mean even. The age is pretty directly linked to the price with my current max as seen above. If i sell my current sailboat (18' classic lined ketch cat if anyone's interested)and my kayak, then my budget would go up, but who knows if those will sell any time soon.

-I live in the New Haven, CT area, and go to school in Glen Cove, NY (LI). Are there any active fleets around?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to join your ranks.

_________________
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.

Webb '10

For 3500 you should be able to pick up a pretty clean Hobie 16, maybe late 80's or early 90's model. That should compete with 90% of the boats out there. That is if it is in good shape, look at the classifieds on here and you can get a good idea of what boats are worth.

Also you might look at the Hobie 18 for that budget, it is more boat and a little friendlier in most situations.

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

Go with the 16 .It has great class racing,and as you stated a heck of a lot of fun to sail.As far as age make sure it is post 1984.The boats are lighter.After 1995 the boats have the integrated traveller tracks which is a nice add on for the increased mast rake.I would look for a boat that has some add on racing features i.e. race rudders,6:1 low profile harken blocks .Older boats sailed well can still be very competitive in local regattas.If your goal is top 10 at the nationals you might want to consider a little newer.

For help, email Bob Merrick [email protected] He lives in CT, and is not new to hobies.

I live in Branford.
Send me an e-mail or give me a call (203) 645-3551. I'm sure we can find a good boat for you.
Bob

Boatworks in Syracuse has my "old" race boat for sale. It's a garage-kept '98 with '04 sails and EPO rudders. Completely race ready. They are asking $4199, but make them an offer. Call and ask for Rob Jerry.

Here's the listing

Here's the boat at the 2006 North Americans:

Now thats a DEAL!

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

Does that come with sailing lessons Matt?

Thanks for all the help thus far.

I will be trying to sell my kayak first... Hoping that can offset some cost. If anyone is interested in an 18' 2005 Valley Qajariaq Fiberglass Sea Kayak which is basically new, let me know. I've never used it much cause I've been sailing so much. Maybe someone out there wants to trade a cat for a kayak...

Anyway, I will be keeping my eyes open, and likely contacting those of you who have offered specific help--Bob, I live in on the shore in West Haven (but go to school in Glen Cove (Long Island)) and have a brother in Guilford. Also, did you know Joe Manganello?

MBounds--that boat looks quite nice, and in great condition. We'll see what I can do about checking it out... How did you do at North Americans, by the way?

And so far as sailing lessons, racing tactics would be welcome from all!

_________________
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.

Webb '10

I would think that racing tactics would be hard to teach by typing. I have learned more recently by crewing for some really good sailors than I have in the past couple of years.

That boats looks clean, I would buy it if you can afford it.

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

Oh of course. I've learned more through sailing with better sailors than me than by any other method.

I might buy it if I can afford it... ha ha

_________________
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.

Webb '10

I forgot to mention that I have learned some tactics from tacticat.com, it is an online sailing tactics simulator. If nothing else it lets you see some situations.

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

The boat in the photo has raced in 4 North Americans ('98, '99, '04 and '06) It's weighed in at minimum weight (320#) at all of them.

Finishes were 22 (of 63), 11 (of 96), 7 (of 71) and 13 (of 56).

Jim Glanden just posted on the Division 11 Yahoo! Group that he is selling one of his 16's:



hobie335(at)earthlink(dot)net

Jim has racing 16's since the early 70's and takes good care of his boats. He lives in Newark, Delaware.

Can't Forget that Matt's Boat also won the 2005 Madcatter.
Shouldn't there be a disclaimer like:
Past performance is no gaurantee of future success.
If it was, I would have bought the boat.

Matt's just lucky he keeps buying fast boats.

_________________
Pat Bisesi
Fleet 204 Syracuse, NY

The good thing about buying a boat with a good cv is that when you finish last you KNOW its not the boats fault