How do you identify an older Hobie 16

Looking at an older 16 as a rehab project. First do they carry a serial number or date of manufacture code? Is there a series of older 16s that a person should avoid? This 16 has been stored uncovered on the beach in Virginia for at least 6 years. Fiberglass looks pretty rough, of course needs a new tarp. Mast looks okay and hardware appears that it will clean up okay.

Any help would be appreciated.

If there's no serial on the back of the hulls, look on the front left pylon. That's where mine is, 1972 boat, hull #3404.

Jim

Hmm... I don't think there are certain model years that need to be avoided. I would recommden not to get a pre 84 boat if possible - starting in 84 the weight limit changed - resulting in lighter hulls. I would recommend to look for soft spots on the hulls - that is a standard defect on older hulls. Check the bottom of the hulls for wear. Check the sails if they can be reused. Find out if you get some upgrades - like harken 6:1 main sheet system, beach wheels, trap wire or seat, ... Keep in mind that you will spend $300 for the tramp, >$50 for main and jib sheet and $xxx for some other bits an pices. It looks like it comes with out a trailer and you seem not to get the title (since you do not know the age of the boat). Find out what it means in your area not to have a title. With other words ... do not pay more than a few hundred $$$ for the boat - you will need some money and time to get it ready to sail.

Patrick

This is in the FAQ section of our forums...

Includes all kinds of information on serial numbers.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=86

It'd be great if you could expand that to include the serial numbers by year (and month?) for the older boats with hull #s on the pylon.

Hint hint hint.

Records of serial numbers of the older boats (older than 1973) are not available.

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

My first question would be how much are they asking. Buying a Hobie with the parts on the boat or in the sailbox is typcially a much better deal than trying replace worn out parts with new. A new tramp has to cost at least 400. I have bought three Hobies off of local lakes. I considered the last two to be good deals. I paid 700 for the second boat and it was i great condition. I had to buy cat tracks from someone that cost 200 used. I sold that boat to a buddy and he still has it. I recently bought a replacement boat for 1200 but it had a nice sailbox on the trailer and the cat tracks were included. Both had tramps that were in good condition. The condition of the sails is a big deal. Stiching, battons and the leading edge which fits up into the mast when you raise the sail can get worn and often needs attention. If I were going to look for a new used boat, I would definately lean towards finding one on a lake.