New Hobie 18's

There's also the Tiger and FXone. Why does everyone rule these out as good recreational boats? The only difference between a race boat, and a non racing boat, is whether or not its being raced. All the controls are the same, updated, but the same.

That is one approach. Get your 18 in top shape, thus creating a comeback for the 18. Maybe others will see the potential and pick one up themselves. I think the common goal isn't just getting a "new 18". If that were the case people would be lined up with $$$ in their hands to buy one and Hobie would be spitting them out.

The goal is more 18s on the water. I've said that before. The burden is on the shoulders of the 18 sailor, not Hobie. Yes I'd love for Hobie to make new ones, but until we fellow 18 sailors do a better job of recruiting to get more 18 sailors on the water, then forget it.

I believe with sites like HC18.org, that is a beginning to the reality to what we want to see happen (to not let her die). We need to get a closer circle of 18 sailors out there.

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Clint Ellis
#16918
1982 H18
[email protected]

Think the point is pretty simple we have an opp. That says that the serious racers can get there new boats...
We have also a fleet of on looking sailors that bailed out of the fleet due to the scare that the boats were no longer to be produced.. Now if i am not mistaken here i hold an email stating they will be produced if they have relevent numbers...Granted the time frame is very extreme this time round for a production run in 2009 what is to be said after we all have time to think about this and save our penny's that we cannot get a production run done in 2010...
See our fleets over here have the Hobie 18 going crazy its the fasted moving fleet around we have new guys now from every state logging onto forums and ringing me saying they can wait till we can have a combined regatta here or there to show our new found strength...
Same time last year we had four major boats now we have 8 that are willing to travel to combine our fleets... We have pockets now of ten here 5 there and its getting better...
The Hobie 18 is coming back people in a big way...
And all i can say is here here Clint Ellis...
Stephen Cooley
Jim Sohn
Paul
And the rest of the crew that have been driving forces in this new situation we have now...
Good work team we are making a difference..
JJ

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JonJay Kersh
Team Australia
Hobie 18's

Probably the $25k+ price tag.

It's good to see an increased interest in racing. But even with the increased interest, racers are still a small percentage of the sailing population. In the 6 years I've been at this, I'd be really surprised if more than 5% of my cat customers have raced.

I've got all kinds of theories about why that is, but I've got too many other things I'm supposed to be doing.

Dog, Let's set up a live chat! you'll be our featured guest. I'd love to hear your theories. You up for it?

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Clint Ellis
#16918
1982 H18
[email protected]

i'm game too we could use
http://www.ustream.tv/

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

That sounds like an opportunity for mirth... Or maybe mayhem. I probably ought to run it by Aris before I say yes, since I'm just the shop knucklehead.

ustream is great. brad we'll put you in the hot seat.

But really, that would be great to have a dealer and or a hobie rep every now and then do a live chat!

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Clint Ellis
#16918
1982 H18
[email protected]

Don't know Ustream, but their site looks intriguing.

Wife and I Skype since we've got family in multiple hemispheres. Wife and I Skype back and forth between offices during the week. It freaks out my coworkers!

Hi all,
An 89 Hobie 18 Magnum (w/beach dolly) just sold on eBay for nearly $3,000. Wow, what does that tell you about the market in this depressed economy?

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Warmest regards,

Doc Reid Hester
www.drinkerscheckup.com

Not sure what you're getting at, are you suggesting that $3000 is too much or too little? $3000 could definitely be reasonable IMO. It all depends on the boat's condition and what's being included with it. If the boat's in good shape with decent sails, beach wheels, and a good trailer, I could see it going for $3000 even if it is 20 years old.

sm

I'm not sure I would sell my 89 magnum with a trailer, toy box, and beach wheels for less. I even have an extra (all aluminum) mast and spinnaker.

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

Dear friends, I just came accross this thread.

I happen to have a NIB Hobie 18 SX here in El Salvador. 1994 model year, Mardi Gras sail suit, special order blue hulls from Hobie ($300 extra at dealer cost back then).

I bought this boat (one of two SX's) from Hobie Cat when I was a dealer back then. I use one of them, certain that the other would sell but this came not to be, everyone just kept buying 16's, so I decided to keep it. Since then I have scavenged certain parts from it for my used SX, namely one diamond wire, the jib and main sheet lines, all 4 J&H handles, the black nylon rudders (both of them), and the blue vinyl tramp. But the wings assy's, mast assy, and both hulls along with all the other aluminum extrusions now hard to come by are brand new in the box. I washed the hulls the other day and I had forgotten how new hulls shimmer!!!

The boat has paid El Salvador import taxes, but since I have the original certificate of origin along with the duty policy, it would not have to pay taxes upon reentering the United States. I estimate air shipping to the gulf coast around $2,000, and higher elsewhere. The cardboard boxes are now a bit deteriorated for air freight so I would wood crate it special very well and tight.

If anyone is interested in a purchase please email me at [email protected]. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and I can take pics. Please understand that given the current availability I cannot undersell this boat, It has been sitting in a nice warehouse and I've taken great care of the boat. IT IS BRAND NEW.

spoken like a true business man

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1971 H16 (sail #1768)

To all of you on the Hobie Forum... I love you guys!!!
thanks for all the help!