Purchasing a Hobie 16 and What to Look For
When you purchase your Hobie there are a few things to keep in mind.
Fist is how much more money do you want to throw at it, and what kind of work do you want to do to it? When you have a pretty good idea of what your budget looks like, you can start looking for a boat.
When you are looking at boats, there are a few tricks that I have learned about the Hobie.
First on the back left side, right next to the rail, you will find a string of numbers engraved into the boat.
The last two numbers are the year that your Hobie was made.
This gives you great incite as to what you are looking at.
When you are looking for boats, also keep in mind that as far as 16's go 1979 was the worst year that Hobie made.
Apparently they had some issues with their molds and fiberglass, and this year is especially prone to soft spots, and de-lamination.
As far as soft spots go what you need to do is start at the front of the boat, and working your way to the back push down on the hulls.
You will feel if there are any soft spots, and wile they can be repaired, it will take time, a little bit of money, and you do have to do a little drilling.
So keep that in mind.
Soft spots also are usually right in front of the tramp.
This for whatever reason is the most common spot for soft spots.
You will also want to run your hand down the sides of the hulls to feel for soft spots there, but they are harder to find.
Also keep in mind the trailer.
you want a good solid trailer.
and if your town is anything like mine, the best spot to look for Hobies are in other people's yards.
This means that they have probably had the boat sitting in their yards for a few years, and all you need to do is simply go knock on their door and buy it from them.
This also means that the trailer will more than likely need some work.
You may end up taking it to an auto shop and getting the bearings greased, or have some lights to fix, but that is all pretty cheap.
I hope you get out there and find some great deals, and have fun sailing!
Fist is how much more money do you want to throw at it, and what kind of work do you want to do to it? When you have a pretty good idea of what your budget looks like, you can start looking for a boat.
When you are looking at boats, there are a few tricks that I have learned about the Hobie.
First on the back left side, right next to the rail, you will find a string of numbers engraved into the boat.
The last two numbers are the year that your Hobie was made.
This gives you great incite as to what you are looking at.
When you are looking for boats, also keep in mind that as far as 16's go 1979 was the worst year that Hobie made.
Apparently they had some issues with their molds and fiberglass, and this year is especially prone to soft spots, and de-lamination.
As far as soft spots go what you need to do is start at the front of the boat, and working your way to the back push down on the hulls.
You will feel if there are any soft spots, and wile they can be repaired, it will take time, a little bit of money, and you do have to do a little drilling.
So keep that in mind.
Soft spots also are usually right in front of the tramp.
This for whatever reason is the most common spot for soft spots.
You will also want to run your hand down the sides of the hulls to feel for soft spots there, but they are harder to find.
Also keep in mind the trailer.
you want a good solid trailer.
and if your town is anything like mine, the best spot to look for Hobies are in other people's yards.
This means that they have probably had the boat sitting in their yards for a few years, and all you need to do is simply go knock on their door and buy it from them.
This also means that the trailer will more than likely need some work.
You may end up taking it to an auto shop and getting the bearings greased, or have some lights to fix, but that is all pretty cheap.
I hope you get out there and find some great deals, and have fun sailing!
