Getting my first boat, possibly a Hobie 16
About to get my first boat.
I have been sailing before, sailed a 12m cat for a week. So I have some but little experience.
Found a decent Hobie 16 built in 2000 with everything to get started, lifejacket, gloves, harness, trailer, beach rollers, sails etc all for a decent price. To put it into perspective the same price as a brand new basic model Hobie Bravo, without trailer and with no extras
Being my first boat anything I should be looking for?
BTW Im from Australia
Edited by chrisb123 on Sep 30, 2013 - 09:08 AM.


Are soft spots that much of a major problem?
I'll definitely get a test ride, and I'll take some pics
I'll be sailing around the bay and at places along the south coast, conditions are generally good
There is plenty of beach and ramp access in many places
Here is a link with some information on H16
http://www.hcana.hobieclass.com/default.asp?Page=9304&MenuID=CLASSES___%7C%2Fc20071%2F9268%2F
Search this forum for more info on used H16. There is a plenty good information on what to look for/watch/expect in a used cat.
For a $3000 or so, you should be getting a H16 in reasonably good condition, with normal wear and tear, but no soft spots.
This isnt America, average price for a H16 is almost double what was offered
Boat seems to be in fairly good condition. Hulls looks clean no apparent wear or repair signs, sails, sheets, cleats, and other steel cables all look good
There are a few soft spots on the top of each hull around the tramp posts
The trailer has lots of rust on the wheels, axel and leaf springs otherwise in good condition. I rolled the trainer and it moves very freely

chrisb123 wrote:
There are a few soft spots on the top of each hull around the tramp posts
That is surprising for a 2000 model boat, that's considered pretty new in most places. Are Hobie 16's hard to find in your area? Is this particular boat priced a lot less than usual?
It's possible, since this is your first Hobie, that what you describe as soft spots aren't they same as the deck delamination usually described as soft spots. How much flex is there? How hard do you have to press with your palm to make the deck move? Do you hear any crunchy sounds?
____________
Damon Linkous
There is usually a couple for sale at any one time. The price of this is H16 is a lot less then usual H16 price.
There is a difference in firmness between the sections I call soft and other parts that are not. The deck does not feel or look warped. I can press down a few mm I guess. The soft parts are all consistently soft.
I didnt check every bit of the hulls but one part for certain was crunchy when I pushed it
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