So I want a Getaway, what year do I want?

Thank you all for your good advice re what kind of boat I should look for. I have decided to look for a Getaway.
They are available from at least 2005 to 2013, prices are commensurate.
Are there real disadvantages to the older boats? I understand the rudders were changed, probably after 05. Any other milestone years when something big improved?

Like buying a used car...it is all about condition. A 2005 that's been stored in a warehouse vs a 2011 that has been beat up...which would you choose? Rotomolded plastic is pretty durable, it does get more brittle with age and UV and heat...but it is slow (kinda like the older dashboards, some eventually cracked after years of offgassing (that film on your windshield)).

What's wrong with getting a new one? If it is price, you can figure the used one will need stuff sooner than newer.

I'm surprised you have choices...around here (N. CA) Getaway's are rare on the resale market.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Yes, the issue is price...

I do have a lot of choices within a few hours drive. So stored inside or at least tarped will help. I do have some 20 year old plastic Kayaks that have been outside with some sun exposure since day 1, they are still solid, so that is one thing.

I see various levels of commitment to upkeep from the previous owner, so that is another. And the age/usage of sails, lines, etc.

Anything other than rudders change in the design do you think?

BTW TP, I did find the video of your "last" sail on your Getaway with the spinnaker. That was one of the things that convinced me the Getaways could be pretty fun!

There have been small changes over the years. Here are a few I know of, but I'm not sure what year they started:

1. Drains added to built in coolers
2. Cooler lids improved
3. New rudders (I have the old ones and they work fine)
4. Plate (37500021) added on bow spreader where tang attaches
5. Rudder tendons changed - old are black, new are white-ish
6. Forestay yoke (37810030) was changed to a more heavy duty yoke

I'm sure there are more changes that I don't know about. I found about #6 when my yoke failed. Would have been nice to know that hobie changed this out so I could have replaced mine before losing my mast miles away from home. I recently added #4 because my tangs were wearing larger holes in my bow spreader. (also would have been nice to know about this earlier)

Anyway, you can easily do most of these upgrades yourself if you get an older boat. I've done #2, #4, #5, and #6 to my boat. I sail in rough conditions and I would typically come back with my coolers full after a couple of hours sailing. After replacing the lids, I now get almost no water in my coolers (so not having drains isn't a big deal).

thanks, the rudders were the only one I knew about, will look these over.

And of course the hull change in 2017. i'm really close to moving on a fairly recent model. Deciding between used 2016 or new 2018. For the small amount I ever get to sail, I'm thinking the 2016 will be better but I'll miss out on the new hulls.

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

I wound up finding an inexpensive 2005 and it sails fine, so I'm sure you'll be happy with either. The newer rudders look better than mine, but either of those newer years will have that upgrade.

I just get the impression that the plastic curing problems make all of those early boats risky. I’m sure I’m blowing this out of proportion but I don’t want cracks. Newer is better.

Last year I stopped in at NorBanks sailing center in Duck NC and saw a severely cracked T2 hull. Disheartening to say the least.

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

Not sure how many boats are effected by that. I looked at 3 or 4 boats 2005 - 2013 I think, this small sample all looked good. Anyway, newer will keep you going longer I would expect.

Actually it wasn't at NorBanks but rather KHWS, and possibly 2016, that I saw the T2 hull. Anyway, it cracked around the front crossbar enough that it had to be replaced. And of course this was made in 2013 or after.

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