Hello, new here with a question.

I've been considering purchasing a 1984 Hobie 16. I saw an ad in our local paper for a redline Hobie 16, but the price seems high. All I know is that it has a new Hobie tramp and the price is negotiable. There is a trailer that is being painted, so I'm not sure what shape it's in. I'm supposed to look at the boat Tuesday evening. I'm a total newbie, and I'm not really interested in racing. I was reading here that a redline could have some issues. So, are redlines really worth more as this ad seems to imply? Here are the details of the ad:

$3,000.00
HOBIE CAT 16 redline racer! AHH YEAH!!!!!!
slc, UT 84115 - Jul 1, 2009
A cunning light Weight racer or dependable Day sailor. MINT! Condish!Whats a redline you ask.in 1984 Hobie Cat figured out to make the hobie 16 lighter using a lighter weight resin. Not all 1984 were redlines or 1985s. The weight reduction is significant over the older 1983 boats and Non redline boats. New hobie 16s are made at the same Weight as this 84 redline.This boat is still very competative having won a gold at the summer games the last time it was raced there. The Boat includes a newish set of racing sails.Not many lightweight boats like this turn up because once someone gets there hands on one they are not likely to sell. This boat is in sail away condition and includes a trailer and a rigging lesson if desired. The hulls are White and in great Shape! This is the best used 16 around right now. The hulls have minimal ware on the bottoms, and have no soft spots. The hulls have never been painted. Painting a Hobie results in adding unwanted weight.

Watch this video and get sailing fever!
CAT SAILING FEVER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6OdUcPU ... re=related

I'm brand new to this, so please let me know if this guy knows what he's talking about and what price is reasonable if all is sound. I've been reading some of your buying tips, but I really don't know the first thing as to what I should look for. Thanks for your help, and glad to be here.

What he is saying is true, to an exent.

The boat is lightweight, but it's still 25 years old. There are very few serious racers that have boats like that anymore - because they're 25 years old. Most racers have boats that are less than 10 yrs old.

Unless you're considering getting into racing, then I would pass on it - certainly for $3K. There are plenty of boats out there in just as good a shape that might weigh 20 lbs more.

The boat is realisticaly worth about $1500 with the trailer - if everything is working.

I'd tend to agree about the price... I bought an '82 for under 1k with trailer.. but it needed new rigging and tramp. Original sails... the racing sails add to the value as does the claim of being "mint".. if it really is mint and those sails are nice.. maybe 2k or a little over.

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1982 H16 (C:\Worthy)
Yellow/White Prism type sails

Thank you both for your replies. I thought the price was out of line myself. I may be pre-mature in thinking I could begin by learning how to sail a Hobie anyway. My hubby and I went to a reservoir today to inquire about lessons, and the guys running the sports activities were advising against us purchasing a Hobie. They both said they are difficult to learn to sail for beginners. I'm not sure if this is true or not, and their comments left me discouraged and confused regarding a Hobie purchase.

LindaP,
Don't let a non Hobie sailer discourage you. I am on my second season on a H16. I hadn't sailed much before and it was 40 years ago. It is amazing fun, even when you are just barely moving. Sure there is a a lot of learning by trial & error, but that is fun too. This forum is a tremendous resource. Also look at "Catamaran Sailing- from start to finish" by Phil Berman. Someone here said, you can learn to sail a Hobie in 20 minutes, the rest is about going faster. I agree that the price on that boat is high, but 1800- 2000 might be reasonable. Find one and go for it!

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Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

Linda - I worked for a Hobie dealer in the late 70s / early 80s when I was in college. I saw many people buy Hobies as their first boat, without any inkling of how to sail. Invariably, they would get discouraged / hurt / frustrated / etc. and the boat would end up in their backyard until they finally sold it.

Would you buy a high-powered sports car without knowing how to drive? Same thing.

My suggestion to you and your husband - most yacht clubs offer adult learn to sail programs that are not limited to members. Find a program that's close to home. Learn to sail on something that's a bit more forgiving (that's not your own). Then take what you've learned and apply it to the Hobie. Your enjoyment factor will be much higher.

Just my two cents.

Linda,

It is hard to advise you without knowing whether you have any sailing experience, where you would sail, and if there are people around to help you. If you have no sailing experience, taking some classes on any small sailboat is a good idea. If there are places nearby where Hobies are sailed regularly, try to crew with someone. Most Hobie sailors are happy to take people out and show them the sport. Sailing on lakes is usually safer to begin with than in salt water. Ocean sailing is great but takes some practice to get out through the surf and back. Some people are naturals and can react to the boat and wind. Others need to learn to how to sense what to do as the wind picks up or shifts.

I have owned my Hobie 16 since I bought it new in 1985. I had some sailing experience when I bought it but rented one first at the beach to find out how I would like it. I never regretted buying the boat and have had many great days sailing it. My grandchildren love to go with me.

I also believe the price being asked for that Hobie is much too high. Keep looking around. Where are you located? East? West? I am in NC and see a few boats now and then for sale.

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Howard

I'm right there with ya! I have that book, it was a great resource!

My experience:

as a kid - dad scared me on a little hunter 22 being on it's side with water coming in...
-moved to powerboats and jet skis

as an adult
-bored on jet skis and powerboats
-spent a week on my uncles' Tartan 37', I was hooked!
-bought my hobie a month later...
-read cat sailing start to finish
-had an experienced cat sailor take me out 2 times on my hobie
-solo'd it the third time out... haven't looked back.

No issues with an h16 being your first boat, but get some form of lessons either on that boat or on another small sailboat. Learn the sail rigging and basics and you'll be fine. I would also recommend having a cat sailor take you out your first time or two on the cat, so you can get the hang of how everything works on it.

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1982 H16 (C:\Worthy)
Yellow/White Prism type sails

Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom. I had a feeling I could find the encouragement I needed here. Today we have plans to go on a sailing trip and then Friday we will both have lessons. My DH and I are both green. I sailed once many years ago and on a Hobie Cat a few years ago in Playa del Carmen and LOVED it. I have been feeling drawn to learning how to sail for a long time now.

We live in Park City, Utah and still need to find the Hobie Cat sailors here. It doesn't seem like the sport is popular here, but I could be mistaken. I agree that research, lessons, and experience are in order before we invest in a Hobie. Until then, I'll purchase the book, "Catamaran Sailing- from start to finish" by Phil Berman and hang out on this forum to learn more.

Salt Lake City, UTAH
Division 5
Fleet 67
contact Jarrod Marx
Marx5461 at msn dot com
8-0-1/5-6-2/5-4-6-1

(from the Hobie Class Association website)

Linda,

My (now) wife and I went from zero (sailing experience) to Hobie 16, with help from local Hobie sailors.

Great plan to get some lessons, we hope you buy a Hobie

Good Luck,
John

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

LindaP,
I live in West Point, Utah and sail my H16 in the Great Salt Lake and any other place I can get into. Willard Bay, Bear Lake etc... Who are you taking lessons from? If it is a mono hull sailor, be aware that there is some animosity for some reason against cats by other sailors. I have sailed both for years. Started on Hobies when I was 12 with my California cousins. Just recently (2years ago) sold my mono hull and now sail my H16 exclusively. I'd be more than happy to take you both out sailing anytime. I have just finished teaching all the water front boy scout leaders about sailing for the Trapper Trails Council. One of my favorite things in the world is introducing people to the wonderful world of sailing. There are plenty of H16 for sale here in Utah. I would definitely steer clear of the $3000 redline on KSL classified. I bought my 1983 H16 from a guy up in Park City about 4 years ago for $1100 and it was in near perfect shape. Standing and running rigging good, tramp fair, hulls near perfect. Don't consider anything with a soft spot. There are too many good ones out there that you don't have this problem to deal with. Give me a call and we can talk. (cell 801-589-0124). Listen to all the advice here. These people are great and always helpful no matter how many times the same questions are asked.

mdgann, we are camping in Woodland near Kamas right now, so yesterday we rode over to Rockport where I thought we could take some Hobie sailing lessons. This is where we met Kevin who is in charge of the Rockport Sports and Tom who gives sailing lessons on his 24 ft. sailboat. They both were pretty negative about Hobies which surprised me. They said we would mostly be out in the water trying to "right" the Hobie than actually sailing. They also said that the Hobie can not be sailed alone. I'm not going to give up on the idea of learning how to sail a Hobie and eventually owning one. I'm so grateful for your offer to go sailing sometime. I love Bear Lake. We are Camperworld members and go to Bear Lake frequently. I heard Deer Creek is a popular place for Hobie sailing. I will definitely call you as soon as I get a good connection. It's hit or miss out here.

I'm glad to hear there are other Hobies available for sale. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places, but used Hobies in this area seem to be difficult to find.

Linda,

Sounds like they're giving you some bad information. I'm 58 years old and am just starting my second season sailing on a Hobie 16. I never sailed prior to last year when I bought my boat. I read all the books I could find including "Catamaran Sailing from Start to Finish" and started sailing with a friend who had some experience sailing in the past. We sail in Santa Cruz which has some pretty difficult conditions, oftentimes with winds in the 15-25 knots range during summer and sometimes with fairly large swells. We usually sail once or twice each weekend and sometimes also during the week during the summer. In all this time I've only capsized my boat once and that was in winds over 15 knots. As far as sailing solo, I frequently sail my H16 solo, as do other sailors I know, and I do it in winds up to 15 knots. Its a bit more work but don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. I actually prefer to sail solo and find it very enjoyable. The most important thing is to understand the conditions and know what you can handle and take the time to learn. And be prepared with all the appropriate safety gear.

I had thought about other types of boats when I was getting started, but now I don't even consider them. When we're out on the water and passing monohulls like they are standing still, I'm glad I decided to get a Catamaran!

hwr

Linda,

Don't be discouraged. My first sailing experience was on a Hobie Wave in Mexico with my wife and daughter. Non of us had ever been on any type of sailing vessel......except for a canoe with a bamboo mast and blue tarp for a sail (but that doesn't count, right?). With a little reading and maybe going to a nearby Hobie fleet event, you will be surprised how simple sailing a Hobie can be.......at least the basics. You can then develop your skills as you go. Thats what I did and I avoided heavier winds until I gained that experience (which by the way I am still gaining). I still have a long way to go, but started as green as green can be, so don't let others discourage if its what you want. BTW, I found a '88 on Craigslist in great shape for 1500 ready to sail with nothing needed right away. I have had to replace few things the past 2 years. At any rate, go for it.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic