1983 Hobie 16 Restoration

I purchased this Hobie 16 in November 2020 for $1200 including trailer. For you first-timers looking to rejuvenate an old cat, I'm sure you'll get a sense of just how much work it entails but well worth it. Shooting footage of yourself quickly begins to feel a bit over-indulgent and cumbersome, so this video isn't inclusive of every phase of the project. Lots of trial and error, a few things I'd do differently (don't judge), but the boat is structurally sound, complete with new rigging, and looks fantastic. Learning how to completely rig and de-rig a Hobie was a meticulous process and a little nerve-racking - the mast actually collapsed in the driveway - as was the first launch from a boat ramp. Despite a few clumsy tacks and gybes, our Hobie performed flawlessly, proudly flaunting her vintage Cat Fever sails on San Diego Bay.

[@stephenclemmet1926]

That looks fantastic! Who doesn't love Hobie time?

[@MichaelJKucharski]

Great job!

[@tyronvangreunen]

Great job. Just got myself a hobie Fox project boat. Making preparations and location to start the project. Could be my first opportunity to actually use my GoPro and actually document it 😀

[@esong21956]

Beautiful Hobie Cat 16. Reminds me of the one our family had in the late 1960's in Miami. We bought it used and sailed it for many years, including racing it there in what was then: Fleet 16. Our sail number was 254.

[@Chris_Bro_aka_MR_PLAT1NEM]

Very nice. I just recently started a hobie 14 turbo. Taking a while for parts to arrive. Had to replace sails. The jib and main clew plates are completely corroded and damaged the sails and they were significantly stretched out of shape. Replaced rigging and trampoline. Rudder blades were replaced though I'm gonna have to figure out if I can put bushings in the castings. They are worn badly. It's gonna be a great boat though.

[@jonathanalea]

You inspired me to get a project cat… I got a 1983 Prindle 18 today. Hopefully I’ll see you on Mission Bay soon.

[@N.California]

It's a beautiful and inspiring restoration.

[@philiporourke7896]

Great job on the boat. I like when these hobie's have benches, it looks way more comfortable.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Grest work. You inspired me.

[@GiulioCesare52]

Great video! Really satisfying to watch, precisely edited, the meticulous work and your passion remarkably stand out

[@mikegrevatt8980]

Well done Nick.

[@patrickgelinas5241]

Great Job!

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Wow, you did an AMAZING job on her, looks AWESOME. Would have been nice if you had put what you paid and how much you put into her, congratulations on a nice find and an even better job of. Ringing her back to life. Love the new sails. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@brucemaguire3238]

I just bought a 2nd hand Hobie 16 on Kijijji and will be referring to your video on numerous occasions

[@kingothesea1]

I'm in San Diego, I'd love to do some sailing with you.

[@rjannis]

great job !!!

[@Valeriolopes1967]

Inspiration

[@mrgustavoperez]

Great job on that restoration. I’m just starting a similar project. I’m also reconnecting with my salt-water craving after a few years of being without. Please comment on what you did to the mast and frame. Looks like you painted both. If you did can you tell me if painting the front and rear crossbars affects at all the function of the travelers? Please share what products you used. Thanks

[@muricigalasso7770]

Nice restoration!! Did you change the sail fabric too? Or you use something just to paint? Mine is in a quite bad state...

[@BatuuBounder]

What is that mast clamp you have supporting the mast on the back of the trampoline?