An informal Pole on your H16's age

1974

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Great replies guys. Thanks very much. So for those who have bought multiple H16s in the past, is there any delta in build quality? Are the new boats better or are they starting to cut corners as a result of the shrinking market and ( I am sure, consumer driven) need to reduce the initial purchase price. I must admit I am bummed that the demand for such a cool boay is diminishing, especially in this new world of eco friendly pursuits...

On an aside, we need to spread the word, and ensure that we take out noobs as much as we can, so that they can get a taste of how cool cat sailing is, especially for the young 'ens.

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2001 Wave
2006 Laser
1988 Windrush (AUS)
1983 Laser
1980 Swinger (AUS)
1974 Manly Junior (AUS)

See below. $1500 and in great condition.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Not at all. The newer boats have more consistent weights and there are a lot of things on them that were extras 35 years ago:
- Aussie jib halyard system
- Jib traveller controls w/the turning block integral to the corner casting
- Much improved jib travellers with integrated jib sheet cleats
- Integrated traveller tracks that allow a traveller with bigger wheels that doesn't bind up/break under load
- Low profile mainsheet blocks
- Double trapeze
- Trapeze adjusters and "Can't Miss" handles
- Coated wires
- EPO2 Rudders
- Rake adjustable rudder castings
- Hobie 20-style tiller connectors
- "Rifled" corner castings (better, tighter fit - also reduces stress concentrations and cracking)
- One-piece, cast gudgeons
- Adjustable batten end caps
- Double-grommeted trampolines
- A main traveller that actually works

The biggest improvement, through, has been in the build quality of the sails and trampolines. Heat welded trampolines are a significant improvement over stitched. There's no comparison between the sails pre-1995 to those after. I laugh when I see the old sails on eBay - "Still Crisp!" "Great Shape!" They have no idea what new Hobie sails are like.

Basically, Hobie has taken all the little tweaks that racers and their R&D department have had over the years and incorporated them into the production model Hobie 16. And yet, the boat's design has not changed significantly in all those years.

And no, I don't work for Hobie - I've just been a satisfied customer for 36 years.

1983 solid natural aluminum finish frame.

2009 H 16 Smoke VIN number made in Dec 2008..
1985 H16 (sold)
199X H20 (sold)
198X H18Mag (sold)
1979 H16 (sold) #5050
1975 H16 TQ Sunrise (first love)

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Smooth Sailing

My first was a 1979 with Cat Fever sails #4163. Delam hulls, noobie mistake... Bought for $300 crashed and burned first time out (3rd run of the day 20+wind gusts, no experience) pitchpoled and destroyed a hull.

About a week or 2 later I bought my 1984 #84865 for $500. Solid hulls, needed bottom job. Did that, been sailing for 2 seasons. I also use the Cat Fever sails, as they have recently had a couple patches installed. I still have parts from the S.S. Calamity, but have spent more on new ropes/standing rigging.

Along with the Comptip, lighter hulls, elimination of some things (boom vang for instance) and a few other things, has anyone ever put together a "model year history" of the H16? It would make a great addition to the FAQ.

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'00 H16 #104691
'78 H16 #32692 ex-rental [gone]
Old Holsclaw trailer
My Hobie 16 pages

i picked u a 80 model 16 off of craigs list or 750 in good condition - had to replace tramp started to rip - got it from Atomictarp on ebay use to have a 14 back in high school

Owned a 1975, Carumba sails, for 19 years, sold then upgraded to a 1977, Tequila Sunrise sails, will use for a coffin in the future Probably from pushing to the max!


Get it up, Keep it up!

I just picked up a 2004. I stole it from my father who has not used it in the last 2 years. I had to buy a trailer though.
It was pretty dirty after sitting for a couple of years. I wash and waxed her up and she looks pretty good now.

Now comes the learning process for me. This should be fun. Hopefully I'll meet some of you out on Lake Ontario and Erie.

I picked up a 1980 a few weeks ago that I found on Craigslist... I paid $600 for a boat that was in fantastic condition!!

I am the third owner, the previous guy didn't use it once, just kept it in a garage, and the guy before that took it out less than 10 times!! It has been sitting in garages for the last 29 years! I LOVE THIS BOAT!!

Do all the sail types have names? Mine are all blue, they look very pretty on the water!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

http://www.hobiecat.com/hobieclass/eHCA ... 4_2006.pdf

page 20 has the years and names of the sails... Mine are "Tsunami" from 1984... sweet...

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Andrew J.
1984 H16
1972 Venture 17
Aquaterra Kayak
1 Rubber Ducky

With large white sail numbers and flying H? Emerald Blue. One of my favorites. (I am the author of the sail pattern guide.)

Wow... Hobie seems to be a small world... Too small, I think... We should be recruiting more sailors!!!

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Andrew J.
1984 H16
1972 Venture 17
Aquaterra Kayak
1 Rubber Ducky