Since this is my first post, I guess it serves as both an personal introduction, as well as a request for some feedback.
First some background, without getting too boring. My dad bought a 16 in 1981, the year I was born. I have fond memories of learning to sail, and spending a lot of time on the boat with my family and friends while growing up. As a teenager we transitioned to waterski and wakeboard boats, but usually found time to take the Hobie and windsurfers out a few times a summer.
Move on 10 years; after finishing school, starting my career, and my parents getting divorced, and it's been seven or eight years since the hobie has seen the water. Unfortunately during that time, the boat has been sitting out uncovered as shown:
My wife and I just had our first son, and I would love for him to have the same experiences growing up. I've looked at buying a Getaway, or a Nacra, but this 16 is sentimental, so my current plan is to spend some time getting it ready to sail again.
Some questions:
1. I've checked the hulls for softness by pushing on the tops and sides where the deck meets the shoe and everything feels solid. The boat was never stored in the water, and the plugs were always pulled, so I'm hoping the integrity of the hulls is sound. Is there anything else I should check to make sure I'm not getting into a potentially hazardous situation?
2. Fortunately all of the rigging was removed from the boat and stored indoors, so it's in reasonable shape. Of course I'll replace anything that shows signs of wear.
Any other issues or caveats I should be aware of before I put it in the water for the first time?
I'm hoping we can get wet and have some fun sailing, while slowly going through the boat and trailer to get it fully restored.