New owner of an old 14

I recently received a 14' hobie from a neighbor. Yes, received, like free.

Now I need to learn everything.

A quick browse of the forums informed me that the 14's have not changed much in their entire history. Does that mean parts are still available and compatible?

Where do I find the serial number?

How do you clean the tramp? I normally use Newer "Wave" Hobies at Sandals with nylon mesh tramps. This one look more like the vinyl seats in my first car! Not nylon, not canvas, is it really vinyl?

The tramp is tied with rope, not bungee. Its that standard?

>The tramp is tied with rope, not bungee. Its that standard?
yes

>Does that mean parts are still available and compatible?
yes

>Where do I find the serial number?
should be on the transom of the hulls
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/index-sail.html

>How do you clean the tramp?
Personally I just rinse it off with water, but maybe you need something a little stronger. Looks like Hobie has a product for you. Go here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/accessories.html
click the first down arrow you see, and pull up page 39 in the catalog. 1619 Tramp Cleaner

Scrub it using dish washing detergent.

Yup rope is the go.

OK, Picture time


large one at http:melchman.net/F5/Hobie14197x.jpg

Can't find serial number. Looked on the forward pylons, all I see is a Patent number sticker. I see nothing etched.

The serial numbers will be way up high, almost under the deck lip, on each transom of your boat. Unless the stripes were added later, that boat was made somewhere around 1980, the stripes are the tip off.

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

And hopefully, you're not storing it in the water.

That's about the worst thing you can do to that boat.

Jim,

Great project boat! I saw your pics on HC14 social network. Get her OUT of the water ASAP, that's the most important thing. The hull # is on the back of the transom, upper right hand corner, and it's hand etched. The last two numbers are the year. I'd be willing to bet she's a '79 or '80. You can make her good as new with hard work and some TLC. You've got a diamond in the rough here. Keep us all up to date on your progress, and the questions coming. Have a Hobie day!

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954

Sticker look oringial to me, they are starting to peel back at the bow (bows?).

Valuable Lesson #1: Get it OUT of the water?

What damage is happening to her while in the water?

That will be a feat. It is on a lake and I do not have lakefront property on which to haul it. That is why it is anchored offshore like that.

If it is a '79 or '80 it has been in the water for 30 years except for winter storage intervals. What is the the best remedy? Get it out and clean the hulls with what?
Do I need to sand and gelcoat?

I noticed some posts on building docks to get these boats out. Is that the best method?

Hi Sean,

Yep same post as HC14

Do you have a reliable source for halyard (sail hoisting) rope? The current, well string really is not looking good, couple of knots in it holding it together. Looked at the parts lists, but can't be sure of the part number. I am not familiar with the differences between "tips" and therefore I am not sure which I have. I can try to get a close up picture tonight. I will be testing the Zoom on my camera.

Jim,

Check these out....

http://www.thebeachcats.com/index.php?m ... emId=46874

As for the halyard line I would order right from Hobie Cat...part number is - H14 Halyard Line 3/16"x22' RH316WHT, and you do not have a comptip mast.

The hulls.....need to be inspected. Clean and repair any gel-coat damage, then clean and buff compound polish. Check this link out.

http://www.surfcitycatamarans.com/hobie ... moval.html

Hope that helps, talk at ya soon.

Sean

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954

Is there something missing form this Catamaran?

THE DOLPHIN STRIKER!! I thought for a minute it was some kinda trick question! Yea, it's missing.

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954

Other than an owner who'll take care of it properly? And not leave it moored in the water where it'll get nasty goo all over the hulls, waterlogged fiberglass, gel coat blisters and shaken to pieces on every little wave?

I compared the first photo to how my 14 sits in the water, and yours is sitting at least a couple of inches lower. It's heavy.

That boat needs some serious TLC.

The dolphin striker is not missing. It never had one. Only 14 Turbos came with OEM dolphin strikers. They weren't introduced until years after this one was made.

OK, i'll bite: what's a dolphin striker? I'm guessing it might be important when adding a jib and trapeeze to a 14....... Cheers! -glen