questions about coleman hulls and comp tip masts

thanks for all the info.

are there particularly good or bad years of the hobie 18?
there are some to choose from here in california.
i'm looking for a boat that does not have wings.

and what is a fair price for a good boat?
i'm seeing $1500-2000 asking prices

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

Not really a clear-cut answer to that question. Before the red glue boats (early 80's and prior) the boats were heavier. So for racing they would not be considered good boats because of the weight. Those boats can still be quite solid though if they were taken care of, so they would be fine for fun sailing.

The red glue boats can be quite light, but they are susceptible to construction issues that can lead to major hull failure. If the boat has lasted this long, it is probably OK, but still, be sure to inspect the hulls real well- especially under the crossbar connections.

I'm not aware of any specific issues with boats from the late 80's on. Just run through the standard checks and if everything looks good, you should be OK.



Really hard to say without seeing the boat. But for a solid, complete boat with everything in decent shape, I would expect to pay $1500 to $2500 for an 80's boat. I would expect a '90's boat could be up to double that depending on it's age, condition, and what's included.

sm

Matt-
seeing as you are with hobie- can you
please address whether a red glue boat is
something to avoid? according to the owner, this
h18 is a 1988. i will confirm when i see it.

i dont understand how the boat
could be that much lighter unless they used a whole lot
less resin. there has to be a certain amount of glass to make
the hull stucturally sound, right? if there are issues around the crossbars,
how will i know? is it obvious upon inspection?

thanks

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

1988 should be good. You can always do a little glass patch work to strengthen the hulls at the forward beam if the boat does not have that already.

Lighter (red glue seam) boats are maybe 10-20 lbs less than previous year models. The hulls are large and a combination of a changed layup careful handwork was used to remove excess weight. You can do light and strong with care.

Problems are easily visible. Check for any cracking at the indented areas below crossbars.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

thanks very much

_________________
Thanks,
P

peter myers
916 955-1148
[email protected]

Yes...bend over and look up under the hull lip...


You can also pop open the port hole and look inside. I'd suggest bringing a flashlight, mirror, and possibly a digital camera to inspect the interior of the boat.

sm

If you are in CA and looking for a Good Hobie 18, Dean Smith is selling his boat and it is a good one. I think he finished 3rd at the North American's @ Havasu.

Not sure what is price is, but I knw the boat is definitely worth a look. I hate to see him sell it, he is a good and fun competitor.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

I was planing to install the larger glass patch and plates on my 83s being outside the 84-87 bracket would I just be adding more weight?

Likely adding weight for no reason by adding more class. You can see the width of the existing patch inside the hull. Be sure it is wider than the indented area. Plates would still be a good idea.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

What is the life expectancy for a CompTip? I would expect a CompTip on a boat stored mast-up would have a shorter life than one that had a cover due to UV.

Is it reasonable to look for a used mast with a CompTip or purchase a Tip and cut my All Aluminum mast?

_________________
John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

Other than cosmetics... have not heard of an issue with a CompTip over time.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Hi John,

Did you notice when you were at RHYC anything different about my comp-tip????

It's white ......

Mine's an origonal 88'-89' comp-tip that was starting to go dull and furry .... so when I decided to keep the boat "mast-up" at RHYC .... (and I didn't want to climb the mast everytime to remove a cover) ..... i sanded it and painted it "white" to protect it from "UV" and keep it from heating up in the sun ..... it's amazing how hot a black comp-tip gets!!!!! Now I can handle the mast on even the hottest days .... well at least the top half ......

I used Krylon-Fusion Spraypaint .... 400grit wet/dry ... masking tape off the plastic lufftrack .... several thin coats .... easy job ....

You going to Ocean Springs Miss???? Most of us in Div11 are planning to go ..... send me an E-Mail ......

PS: It makes it really easy for me to find my boat among the "forest" of black comp-tips at a regatta .... so maybe you would want a different color .... flourescent orange???? lime green???? .... hot pink???? ..... maybe "tie-dyed"!!!! .....HAaaaaaaaaa......

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Harry,
I too have made my comp tip white, for all the same reasons as you. Especially since it sticks out from the boat cover over the winter. I used epoxy paint.

But a yellow, or orange tip? Now you have me thinking!

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís