No matter what, BUY THE HOBIE 16. I sold Hobies for over ten years and can promise it is the type of ‘Cat’ that will give you the level of sailing from hard core racing, to recreational sailing that provides the most important three letter word you want in any vessel.... FUN. and no mater what level of skill you wish to be at, join a local fleet that will help you find the experience and fellowship that only Hobie can provide for you. Besides the national championships we had held, we had actual fishing tournaments; chili cook offs, parties and even explorations that were as laid back or competitive as you wasn’t, but the friendships are the most important. I am 1100 miles away from my beloved Hobie Fleet 99, but still stay in contact with those members for over thirty one years now. If your even thinking about a Hobie 16, it will be a decision you will never regret.
@@pkspidermonkey Congratulations spider monkey, Remember to try find the closes Hobie Fleet that you can, also the closes Hobie Dealer. Remember you will need parts from time to time. Their recommendations and the Fleets will be very helpful. Also remember that as your skill grows and you pass by a location that has a newbie struggling with a Hobie, be sure to stop, introduce yourself and offer help to them. Everybody is a newbie at some point, the worst thing in the world is to buy something like a Hobie Cat, and leave it sitting. I’m kinda like that now. I just bought a used off brand telescope and it’s still sitting behind me, waiting for me to finish putting it together. The boats are way easier.
I’m in California and just bought an ‘82 hobie 18 in great condition. I’m a bigger guy (6’7, 140kg) so that’s why I went for the bigger boat but I think the same reasons still apply. Super excited to get more proficient with the cat and really start to turn up the speed :-)
I'm 16 years old and bought a used hobie 16 this spring it I is by far the best money I have ever spent. These things are a blast and could not be compared to anything else in the world.
Hahaha. Awesome summaries, from the opening answers in favor (“probably, yes”) to closing ones against (“you’ve given up”). Thx for all the vids, Joseph!!! 😁
I had a 16 and have had 4 people on it with good wind, 2 in trapezes and two of us holding down the back windward end of the boat. Great fun! Mine had the playmate cooler holder!
I watched this for the first time a few months ago and just the way you said: “The answer is probably yes.” Convinced me that I needed a Hobie 16. I am now the proud owner of a 1981 “Signature Edition”.
The Hobie Cat, in all its models, deserves all the tribute it has already received, and all the future tribute it will never receive. I have met all the Alter family, and worked with Hobie Jr. and Jeff. All of them have worked hard at maintaining the legendary Hobie Lifestyle, and to keep it as top shelf quality sailing vessel. I’m not sure how many fleets are around in the world, but I am certain that there currently must be close to two thousand of them. Many of them excel at developing incredible racing skills, but many also include a lot of social community efforts within them too. Especially since a lot of fleet members prefer not to race, or are new snd later want to try racing as their skill improves (it always improves), or they could simply decide to retire from racing.I still communicate with my home fleet members. Probably more than any of the other yacht clubs I was a member of or were associated with. Yes….Hobie was family and Yes I miss them.
The Hobie 16 is a great boat. It is fast and a well thought out design. This boat has not changed a thing since it was first produced in the late 60s. So if you are racing a Hobie they are all the same. But since the 60s a lot has changed in the small catamaran sailing world. Since no improvements have been made to the Hobie 16 a lot catamarans that are similar to the Hobie have made improvements to make the boats faster and easier to sail. One of the main drawbacks of the Hobie 16 is that it tends to bob up and down instead of staying on a straight and level sail. The reason for this is that the forestays are at the very front of the boat. Other boats like the Prindle 16 moved the front forestays back about 18 inches and the Prindle sails a lot smoother and faster. The shape of the Hobie 16 hulls are great for sailing in the surf and will out sail boats like the Prindle and the G Cat in the surf but on all other types of sailing either of these boats will outrun the Hobie. Because they have a more substantial hull they are also dryer than the Hobie and more comfortable. You can also have heavier crew weight on these other boats. I like the rudder systems on these boats over the Hobie rudder. Hobie has better organizations for racing. Hobie has more local clubs. You can find plenty of folks to race against. These are all good boats. The boat that is right for you depends on where you are going to be doing most of your sailing and what type of sailing you want to do,.
‘75 was the first year I touched a Hobie. It was a 16’ too. When I first saw it, it was White Knight. A white hulled Hobie with the Silver aluminum pylons, cross bars, mast and boom, and …… White Main & Jib. The Black Knight is identical except it is had black anodized aluminum. A very sharp serious looking sweetheart to be towing behind your vehicle. Both Knights constantly turn heads when they are in the area and or in formation.
If you're racing anything over 140 kg will be a disadvantage. For fun sailing it depends on the wind, i've had some great sails with 200kg on board but in a light wind it would have been too much weight.
Hey, a Hobier that I often raced with (I was a sailing captain and Hobie dealer) and traveled to regattas, and we were called team beef. We raced till he finally made A fleet. Skill and proper tuning of your boat can overcome weight issues. Still it’s mega fun.
Make sure you have a sailing buddy to help set the thing up. I have had two junkers and both were a lot of fun and I was not broken hearted when I ran them up on the rocks.
As the new owner of a Hobie 16, your channel is the go-to channel for all things Hobie. My thing is that a number of experience sailors do not consider a Hobie Catamaran a Sailboat. I always thought they were. Do you ever run across situations like this? If so, any advice on how to deal with it?
Had 2 over 5 decades .. were mustangs always within one twitch or cm of disaster even if you were very switched on .. both caused crew to shed blood more than once .. BUT what a buzz .. have fondest rueful memories.
You'd be fine up to around 15 knots and then it would start being a bit of a handful. The 14 doesn't do well with two people. I'd say go for the 16 and watch the reefing the mainsail video for the higher winds.
For years, I have had both a 16 and a 14, I only sailed on VERY heavy wind and almost always solo.. My 14 was my "Go To" boat 75% of the time or if I had a friend along I'd bust out the 16 I also liked surfing waves and the 14 was waaay better. BUT If you do sail one in High wind make sure you add a Dolphin Striker (preferably with welded I bolts) or you WILL bend the front beam. Now I only have room for one boat and its a Nacra 5.8 which is sailed nearly always solo. GET A 16 use it abuse it and have fun!!!
suitable for around 60kilos? still a teen so I'll get some more weight. (hopefully). and how many knots of wind are perfect for such a Crew weight in the trapeze and just sitting normally? Greetings
I wouldn't part with my 16. Bought it a few years ago, original idea was to buy it with a friend but that didn't happen. I took it for a test sail on my own and just loved it. I had previous experience on a wharram 14ft cat. The Hobie just blew me away, really easy to handle and very well made. I tend to leave the jib ashore if going solo, its just too much otherwise. The reefing main sail is a good idea.
rob wilkinson I had a 1986 summer games edition 16 with 2 sets of reef points. With 2 reefs in I could go out in any wind. Many times I had 2 in trapezes, me in the back steering with 2 others on the rail on strong wind days. The igloo cooler rack would hit waves that would send a wall of water into the air. Great fun.
Fletcher Joss .... Fletcher is so right. Actually it’s the best Cat for getting through surf.... WOW so many Hobie Stories coming through. I knew Hobie Alter. Sat next to his beautiful wife at a dinner, and knew his boys Hobie Jr. Jeff and daughter Paula. When Jeff won the sixteen nationals, after the awards banquet, many of us grabbed Jeff to throw him into the pool as was tradition, only Jeff held on to me and said “Your going with me!”, and sure enough we both ended up in the water. All the legends said it was the Best Hobie 16 Nationals to date... November ‘88. But never forget that there is so much more to Hobie Cat-ing than just racing. It truly is a lifestyle.... and girls always prefer sailboats than powerboats. I know this because I sold powerboats as well. Power boats get you access to another Art. Sailing is an Art. Oh the memories. 17 years in the business and add on another 6 as a licensed Captain and fishing guide.
Is buying an old cat sketchy? In Maryland always see them parked behind someone's house in the woods, covered in what looks like mold/mildew and leaves from years of neglect. Is it easy to fix a damaged hull, sails, etc? and get new parts?
Aside from the different obvious shape hulls and sails: Hobie - shorter and wider, lower volume and bigger sails. Assymetric hulls. More powerful, potentially faster and more difficult to sail Dart - less powerful, no boom, skeg hull, much easier to sail, single trapeze, lighter. The choice should be if you want to race go with what fleet is near to you.
You can train on land - you need a certain amount of flexibility to move in and out so worth some dry land practice until it's a smooth transition. You don't have to trapeze until the wind reached around 15 knots - or more if you're not worried about getting top performance out of the boat.
Sailing a 16 ( not the same one) for over 47 years. I race. I’m 81 now. Still racing. As long as your legs work, Trap out. It’s mostly about keeping your balance in the chop.
Do the newer ones have raising the main sail issues like the old ones? I had one back in 70s and getting the sail all the way up was a major pain. I don’t want to invest again if it is still an issue.
Silicon spray the luff rope and raise it without the boom on (weight).Also feed the luff into the slot as you go up. “Like butter.” I always remove my boom when I drop the sails and store it separate from them. (Metal and sails = holes).
If you have storage and transporting with a trailer is ok then the Hobie 16 - performance + better technique required. Minicat for convenience and user friendly-ness I think I'll talk about this in the next Q+A
Interesting what you said about the weight. I’ve been thinking about a Hobie 16, and I’m 112kg and will do most sailing solo, but would like to take another person at times. I’m wondering if you just meant you won’t reach peak performance >150kg, or if the boat will just ride too low to be enjoyable. If a HC 16 is a bit small for me, what could you recommend that is still great fun, but can handle a little more weight. But also still allowing me to be able to solo sail? Tnx. Great vids!
I would take a look at the Hobie 18 - the 16 in light winds with more than around 200kg is pretty sluggish due to the low volume hulls - If however, when you were going to sail 2 up it was with others much lighter the 16 will still work for you.
@@JoyriderTV Good info, thanks. After looking at the Hobie website, it appears they don’t make the 18 anymore, so if I did choose to go up to an 18, it would be a resale. Thanks again.
I've noticed many are raking their mast way back to the point that their boom almost touches their aft cross member. Is this a fix for a design flaw in a now older boat design?
No, raking the mast has been around forever. This moves the effort of the sails rearward -- loading up the sterns and rudders. This helps again sideslip and de-powers the rug. Helpful in strong winds but decreases downwind performance. A useful trade-off.
Hello Joseph, I was wondering, since you are pretty close to where I live, could you assist me with buying a new 16? Mine is already 40 years old. Do you guys have a spare hobie that I could come and buy? Im looking at 15 years old boats. I have a trailer from my own hobie 16.
@@JoyriderTV I live in Bulgaria. I can come and collect any time with my trailer. I just came back from Greece. I am not in a hurry. The season is over now, but please ask around. I wpill appreciate that. You must know a dealer in Europe since you have so many hobies.
@@JoyriderTV I have a hobie 17 - which was Hobies remodel of the 14 - its an amazing design with lots of volume forward and wings and trap to boot - however its failing was the sail they cut made it underpowered off the breeze - I cut a modern square head main for it recently and now goes like stink ..
@@JoyriderTV And add to this, the Hobies are generally the only Cats that can go through the Surf…. Many Spring Break girlies love to sail on them. Get them to wear a butt bucket and out on the trapeze and take a peek at how it rides up their hip… and front…. And they do that with a smile on their face too.
Should I Buy a Hobie 16? Good question. It depends on who you are and what kind of sailing you want to do. For the novice I would recommend getting a Hobie Wave to start out. For a family I would recommend a Hobie Getaway. For sport sailing and racing the Hobie 16 is perfect. They are all great sailboats. I have owned all of them.
I concur! I got my feet whet with an old Prindle 16, while I loved the prindle, it was very old, missed its trapeze and tended to break. Then I upgraded to a hobie 16 in much better condition, its like I've rediscovered sailing !
I live in Greece and used to be a Hobie guy years ago. Joe put me the cat virus again so I started looking desperately for a H16 even if I weight 95Kg! Last week I found instead a very decent NACRA 5.0.... Joe your opinion is needed please!
The Nacra 5.0 will certainly deliver some great sailing. It's a different feel to the Hobie but still a very worthwhile choice. I've personally never sailed one, maybe hang out for a 16 - I can give a shout out to see if we can find one if you like?
@@JoyriderTV Hi Joe. I really thank you for your reply. Here is the story. The NACRA 5.0 is a 94’ complete with trailer and beach wheels. No dents. With a very quick look it needs a main sail, a new trampoline and a rudder casting. I’ll have to rig it to see what’s really missing or has to be replaced. The cat hasn’t seen the Aegean for more than 10 years and is resting to my local yacht club. The good: probably I’ll take it for 1.5K. The bad: as it has no papers I’ll have to check with the ‘’Limenarchio’’ for a solution. Also baby twins just arrived so I have to be very careful where I spend and as how I’ll prepare the wife… :) Most probably I’ll present it as my getaway project…. Anyhow I’ll let you know. If things go south, then I’ll contact you for a H16. Also there is 05’ Hobie Tiger for 2.7K with trailer and beach wheels.
I love the H18, we sold ours about 10 years ago and now we just have Tigers and Pacifics. If we could get an 18 or two i'd jump at the chance. We don't get many Americans over here, just one or two in the season. Get in touch if you're thinking of making the trip - joe@wildwind.co.uk
@@JoyriderTV I bought an older 16 in the winter of 2020/2021 and litterally all I did in order to restore it was based on your videos. New rigging installation, ropes, trampoline mounting, rudder cam issues, travellers and so on and so on. I can say that I would not have come clise to where I am at now without your highly informative videos. I actually take it for a spin almost every day and I love every bloody second of it. I made a self designed construction with an 55 lbs trolling motor in order to be able to get myself to the lake. Personally I think the construction is so useful that it is worth sharing via your channel. I will try to send you some footage soon. Grtz Alexander
@@ASvanRandwijck Great!! I'm very glad that the content has been so useful. Yes, if you send some pictures or video of your motor I'll put it in an episode of Show us your cat!
Very helpful, thanks Joe! Can you do the same on an H 18? Cut my teeth on a 14 this summer, and shopping now to upgrade. Of course the guys selling 18s say that's the Cadillac Hobie, and the guys selling 16s say the 18 is too big and heavy for a Newb.
Is this 150kg recommendation a hard rule? I personally weigh 100kg. Would that mean taking another friend about my size would make this boat too annoying to enjoy? It seems like the right size for single handing for me, but somewhat unfortunate if it just cant handle 190-200kg.
It's still fun but you'd need some decent wind. I regularly sail the 16 with 180 + If i was racing i'd be destroyed by the lightweights. I think that you need to try one.
Thank you Joseph. These videos should be sponsored by Hobie because I've already checked out prices of new ones, and even if I get used I'm sure they appreciate part sales too. Heck, I'm from the US and also thinking about a Wildwind sailing vacation. Very fair pricing IMO even after my flight costs and what a location.
Hal Stead , But it would be good to learn from Joe the common issues to watch for, especially for Newbs thinking of buying in. What can be fixed v what's a show stopper. Though the guy above comes across as a hater the way that's written.
Think about tacking a hobie 16 as steering an arc like a portion of a circle instead of doing a hard tack. Wait until the jib back winds before you release it and take it in on the other side.
Maximum weight for competitive racing would be around 350lbs (helm and crew) For fun sailing, especially heavy winds max would be about 440 So anything less works
No matter what, BUY THE HOBIE 16. I sold Hobies for over ten years and can promise it is the type of ‘Cat’ that will give you the level of sailing from hard core racing, to recreational sailing that provides the most important three letter word you want in any vessel.... FUN. and no mater what level of skill you wish to be at, join a local fleet that will help you find the experience and fellowship that only Hobie can provide for you. Besides the national championships we had held, we had actual fishing tournaments; chili cook offs, parties and even explorations that were as laid back or competitive as you wasn’t, but the friendships are the most important. I am 1100 miles away from my beloved Hobie Fleet 99, but still stay in contact with those members for over thirty one years now. If your even thinking about a Hobie 16, it will be a decision you will never regret.
Very well said!
Joseph Bennett .... Thank you Joseph
nebraskatpp , how would it go with an outboard motor? Just looking at the stability of the two hulls, it would make a fantastic fishing platform.
I just bought one today!! Can't wait to get it out on the water
@@pkspidermonkey Congratulations spider monkey, Remember to try find the closes Hobie Fleet that you can, also the closes Hobie Dealer. Remember you will need parts from time to time. Their recommendations and the Fleets will be very helpful. Also remember that as your skill grows and you pass by a location that has a newbie struggling with a Hobie, be sure to stop, introduce yourself and offer help to them. Everybody is a newbie at some point, the worst thing in the world is to buy something like a Hobie Cat, and leave it sitting. I’m kinda like that now. I just bought a used off brand telescope and it’s still sitting behind me, waiting for me to finish putting it together. The boats are way easier.
I’m in California and just bought an ‘82 hobie 18 in great condition. I’m a bigger guy (6’7, 140kg) so that’s why I went for the bigger boat but I think the same reasons still apply. Super excited to get more proficient with the cat and really start to turn up the speed :-)
Great stuff. Congratulations on your purchase, it can be a real life changer.
I'm 16 years old and bought a used hobie 16 this spring it I is by far the best money I have ever spent. These things are a blast and could not be compared to anything else in the world.
Still the best ride!
Stefan Tobler 20 here myself. About to open a another savings account and start saving to get my own. How much did you pay brother?
Ryan Norton I paid 750$ for a 1981 and the guy needed to get rid of it because he was moving away that coming weekend.
Stefan Tobler damn man. Good for you. That's a steal if I've ever heard one
Ryan Norton ya it sure was. I think a common price is from like 2000$ to 1200$ tho
Hahaha. Awesome summaries, from the opening answers in favor (“probably, yes”) to closing ones against (“you’ve given up”). Thx for all the vids, Joseph!!! 😁
I had a 16 and have had 4 people on it with good wind, 2 in trapezes and two of us holding down the back windward end of the boat. Great fun! Mine had the playmate cooler holder!
Nice! Sounds like a blast!!!
I watched this for the first time a few months ago and just the way you said: “The answer is probably yes.” Convinced me that I needed a Hobie 16. I am now the proud owner of a 1981 “Signature Edition”.
Congratulations! Great choice. Fun times ahead
Absolutely YES. I had one for about 15 years. It was a BLAST! Easy to learn to sail, very fast
🤩⛵️🤩
Just bought my 1st boat a 81’ Hobie 16. Can’t wait to learn it! 😊
Hope you enjoy it!
Excellent video...Luckily, my wife gave her approval!
everyone should buy or sail a Hobie 16 at some point in their sailing career
i 15 and I got one and it was the best thing that i ever got
Just bought one for $250aud!! Can't wait to get it out on Lake Macquarie NSW
Nice, great choice and what an amazing price. You're in for a good time!
Fast and Furious. Nothing to add ;-) Nice review, this fantastic sailing machine deserves such a tribute !!
The Hobie Cat, in all its models, deserves all the tribute it has already received, and all the future tribute it will never receive. I have met all the Alter family, and worked with Hobie Jr. and Jeff. All of them have worked hard at maintaining the legendary Hobie Lifestyle, and to keep it as top shelf quality sailing vessel. I’m not sure how many fleets are around in the world, but I am certain that there currently must be close to two thousand of them. Many of them excel at developing incredible racing skills, but many also include a lot of social community efforts within them too. Especially since a lot of fleet members prefer not to race, or are new snd later want to try racing as their skill improves (it always improves), or they could simply decide to retire from racing.I still communicate with my home fleet members. Probably more than any of the other yacht clubs I was a member of or were associated with. Yes….Hobie was family and Yes I miss them.
I had one years ago. Man do I miss that boat!!!!
Such a great boat! The same now as they were then!
The Hobie 16 is a great boat. It is fast and a well thought out design. This boat has not changed a thing since it was first produced in the late 60s. So if you are racing a Hobie they are all the same. But since the 60s a lot has changed in the small catamaran sailing world. Since no improvements have been made to the Hobie 16 a lot catamarans that are similar to the Hobie have made improvements to make the boats faster and easier to sail. One of the main drawbacks of the Hobie 16 is that it tends to bob up and down instead of staying on a straight and level sail. The reason for this is that the forestays are at the very front of the boat. Other boats like the Prindle 16 moved the front forestays back about 18 inches and the Prindle sails a lot smoother and faster. The shape of the Hobie 16 hulls are great for sailing in the surf and will out sail boats like the Prindle and the G Cat in the surf but on all other types of sailing either of these boats will outrun the Hobie. Because they have a more substantial hull they are also dryer than the Hobie and more comfortable. You can also have heavier crew weight on these other boats. I like the rudder systems on these boats over the Hobie rudder. Hobie has better organizations for racing. Hobie has more local clubs. You can find plenty of folks to race against. These are all good boats. The boat that is right for you depends on where you are going to be doing most of your sailing and what type of sailing you want to do,.
Thanks for that, Great information and a very good different viewpoint.
Good video and advice. Sailing 16s since 1975 . Pretty simple boat with a good rating for racing.
Definitely!
‘75 was the first year I touched a Hobie. It was a 16’ too. When I first saw it, it was White Knight. A white hulled Hobie with the Silver aluminum pylons, cross bars, mast and boom, and …… White Main & Jib. The Black Knight is identical except it is had black anodized aluminum. A very sharp serious looking sweetheart to be towing behind your vehicle. Both Knights constantly turn heads when they are in the area and or in formation.
How heavy is too heavy to sail Hobie catamaran?
If you're racing anything over 140 kg will be a disadvantage. For fun sailing it depends on the wind, i've had some great sails with 200kg on board but in a light wind it would have been too much weight.
Hey, a Hobier that I often raced with (I was a sailing captain and Hobie dealer) and traveled to regattas, and we were called team beef. We raced till he finally made A fleet. Skill and proper tuning of your boat can overcome weight issues. Still it’s mega fun.
Make sure you have a sailing buddy to help set the thing up. I have had two junkers and both were a lot of fun and I was not broken hearted when I ran them up on the rocks.
Yes, good plan to not sail alone if you have the choice.
Very sad to see a boat on the rocks.
As the new owner of a Hobie 16, your channel is the go-to channel for all things Hobie. My thing is that a number of experience sailors do not consider a Hobie Catamaran a Sailboat. I always thought they were. Do you ever run across situations like this? If so, any advice on how to deal with it?
Not so much these days.
If it's not a sailboat then maybe it's classed as a flying machine!
I'm 17. Bought a 1985 Hobie 16 about 4 months ago and it's the best 700 dollars I've ever spent.
Yeah! Great choice. having a 16 will change your life!
Joseph Bennett is right…. It WILL change your life.
Had 2 over 5 decades .. were mustangs always within one twitch or cm of disaster even if you were very switched on .. both caused crew to shed blood more than once .. BUT what a buzz .. have fondest rueful memories.
Such a great boat. Gives a feeling unlike anything else.
I weigh 80kgs , I’m 14 ,and I’m wondering if I can sail one single handed 80% of the time. Or weather a hobie 14 would be better. Thanks
You'd be fine up to around 15 knots and then it would start being a bit of a handful. The 14 doesn't do well with two people. I'd say go for the 16 and watch the reefing the mainsail video for the higher winds.
Thanks Joe , I really enjoy you videos , keep it up
For years, I have had both a 16 and a 14, I only sailed on VERY heavy wind and almost always solo.. My 14 was my "Go To" boat 75% of the time or if I had a friend along I'd bust out the 16 I also liked surfing waves and the 14 was waaay better. BUT If you do sail one in High wind make sure you add a Dolphin Striker (preferably with welded I bolts) or you WILL bend the front beam. Now I only have room for one boat and its a Nacra 5.8 which is sailed nearly always solo.
GET A 16 use it abuse it and have fun!!!
There's a 14 currently for sale on Apollo duck
What should I look at if I am 110 kg on my own and want to sail with some else?
Its a handfull i strong winds and a bit tricky to rigthen alone.
I Only use it in moderat wind so far
I think with the reduced mainsail or no jib it makes it much less powerful in the stronger winds - worth trying
suitable for around 60kilos? still a teen so I'll get some more weight. (hopefully). and how many knots of wind are perfect for such a Crew weight in the trapeze and just sitting normally?
Greetings
Between 10 and 18 knots will be the sweet spot for a light team to be trapezing. For racing something like 120 - 135kg is best (2 people)
Great video - Thank you!
I wouldn't part with my 16. Bought it a few years ago, original idea was to buy it with a friend but that didn't happen. I took it for a test sail on my own and just loved it. I had previous experience on a wharram 14ft cat. The Hobie just blew me away, really easy to handle and very well made. I tend to leave the jib ashore if going solo, its just too much otherwise. The reefing main sail is a good idea.
rob wilkinson I had a 1986 summer games edition 16 with 2 sets of reef points. With 2 reefs in I could go out in any wind. Many times I had 2 in trapezes, me in the back steering with 2 others on the rail on strong wind days. The igloo cooler rack would hit waves that would send a wall of water into the air. Great fun.
Yes, Yes, Yes - and take into the surf!
Fletcher Joss .... Fletcher is so right. Actually it’s the best Cat for getting through surf.... WOW so many Hobie Stories coming through. I knew Hobie Alter. Sat next to his beautiful wife at a dinner, and knew his boys Hobie Jr. Jeff and daughter Paula. When Jeff won the sixteen nationals, after the awards banquet, many of us grabbed Jeff to throw him into the pool as was tradition, only Jeff held on to me and said “Your going with me!”, and sure enough we both ended up in the water. All the legends said it was the Best Hobie 16 Nationals to date... November ‘88. But never forget that there is so much more to Hobie Cat-ing than just racing. It truly is a lifestyle.... and girls always prefer sailboats than powerboats. I know this because I sold powerboats as well. Power boats get you access to another Art. Sailing is an Art. Oh the memories. 17 years in the business and add on another 6 as a licensed Captain and fishing guide.
Is buying an old cat sketchy? In Maryland always see them parked behind someone's house in the woods, covered in what looks like mold/mildew and leaves from years of neglect. Is it easy to fix a damaged hull, sails, etc? and get new parts?
It's feasible but the costs can add up - try this one for an idea - ua-cam.com/video/htxBUF60yt4/v-deo.html
I've bought a couple of old ones. The second one for parts after a hull failed on the first one. Lots of parts available out there.
Whats the difference between a dart and a hobiecat?
Aside from the different obvious shape hulls and sails:
Hobie - shorter and wider, lower volume and bigger sails. Assymetric hulls.
More powerful, potentially faster and more difficult to sail
Dart - less powerful, no boom, skeg hull, much easier to sail, single trapeze, lighter.
The choice should be if you want to race go with what fleet is near to you.
How fit do you have to be to lean back in the trapeze and run the rig aggressively?
You can train on land - you need a certain amount of flexibility to move in and out so worth some dry land practice until it's a smooth transition.
You don't have to trapeze until the wind reached around 15 knots - or more if you're not worried about getting top performance out of the boat.
Sailing a 16 ( not the same one) for over 47 years. I race. I’m 81 now. Still racing. As long as your legs work, Trap out. It’s mostly about keeping your balance in the chop.
Yes Joe, you should .....
great job thanks
Do the newer ones have raising the main sail issues like the old ones? I had one back in 70s and getting the sail all the way up was a major pain. I don’t want to invest again if it is still an issue.
They can be sticky, even the new ones. If you wash the bolt rope of the sail before hoisting it goes up easily
Silicon spray the luff rope and raise it without the boom on (weight).Also feed the luff into the slot as you go up. “Like butter.” I always remove my boom when I drop the sails and store it separate from them. (Metal and sails = holes).
Hey guys.
Could you give me some advice HOBIE 16 or MINICAT 420?
If you have storage and transporting with a trailer is ok then the Hobie 16 - performance + better technique required.
Minicat for convenience and user friendly-ness
I think I'll talk about this in the next Q+A
hey is it possible to put a spinnaker on a hobie 16 ?
yes it is, it really transforms the boat's light wind performance.
In heavy winds, in my opinion, it's not necessary.
ok perfect thanks !
That was a great review
Thanks!
Are these purpose built for 2 people, or can i just use it solo - male 120kgs
Originally for two but commonly used single handed. At 120kg the 16 as a single hander will be great!
where can i buy?
what is the price
check out the hobiecat group on face book. You can get a good one for around €2000
Interesting what you said about the weight. I’ve been thinking about a Hobie 16, and I’m 112kg and will do most sailing solo, but would like to take another person at times. I’m wondering if you just meant you won’t reach peak performance >150kg, or if the boat will just ride too low to be enjoyable. If a HC 16 is a bit small for me, what could you recommend that is still great fun, but can handle a little more weight. But also still allowing me to be able to solo sail? Tnx. Great vids!
I would take a look at the Hobie 18 - the 16 in light winds with more than around 200kg is pretty sluggish due to the low volume hulls - If however, when you were going to sail 2 up it was with others much lighter the 16 will still work for you.
@@JoyriderTV Good info, thanks. After looking at the Hobie website, it appears they don’t make the 18 anymore, so if I did choose to go up to an 18, it would be a resale. Thanks again.
Funny, been sailing Hobies/Nacras since 1976, all this flat water sailing seems boring… but still fun
I have exactly the same opinion when it comes to windsurfing.
Yes.
I've noticed many are raking their mast way back to the point that their boom almost touches their aft cross member. Is this a fix for a design flaw in a now older boat design?
It's just the design of the boat, it does mean that the boom is quite low to get under but the actual sailing with it like that works very nicely!
No, raking the mast has been around forever. This moves the effort of the sails rearward -- loading up the sterns and rudders. This helps again sideslip and de-powers the rug. Helpful in strong winds but decreases downwind performance. A useful trade-off.
I varied mine according to wind
Hello Joseph, I was wondering, since you are pretty close to where I live, could you assist me with buying a new 16? Mine is already 40 years old. Do you guys have a spare hobie that I could come and buy? Im looking at 15 years old boats. I have a trailer from my own hobie 16.
Unfortunately we are not selling any 16's this year. Are you in Greece? If so I could ask some people to see if there is anything around.
@@JoyriderTV I live in Bulgaria. I can come and collect any time with my trailer. I just came back from Greece. I am not in a hurry. The season is over now, but please ask around. I wpill appreciate that. You must know a dealer in Europe since you have so many hobies.
amazing a 1969 model still in production - 50 years ! that really says something I think
The Hobie 16 and 14 not only are designs that still ignite the sailors fire but also the construction is so strong that the boats can really last.
@@JoyriderTV I have a hobie 17 - which was Hobies remodel of the 14 - its an amazing design with lots of volume forward and wings and trap to boot - however its failing was the sail they cut made it underpowered off the breeze - I cut a modern square head main for it recently and now goes like stink ..
@@JoyriderTV And add to this, the Hobies are generally the only Cats that can go through the Surf…. Many Spring Break girlies love to sail on them. Get them to wear a butt bucket and out on the trapeze and take a peek at how it rides up their hip… and front…. And they do that with a smile on their face too.
Silly question! Oh course you should
There it is!
Should I Buy a Hobie 16? Good question. It depends on who you are and what kind of sailing you want to do. For the novice I would recommend getting a Hobie Wave to start out. For a family I would recommend a Hobie Getaway. For sport sailing and racing the Hobie 16 is perfect. They are all great sailboats. I have owned all of them.
Should i get a wave?
Only if you can't find a 18 or afford one. The 18 is the end game, you'll never look back
Ha! I'm also a big fan of the 18, unfortunately i haven't sailed one for about 20 years since they stopped being built in Europe.
What a question 😁:) ❣
There's only one answer
Hobie 16 jeah but the nacra 16 is a beter deal and iTs have a spinnaker👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Its no that i want to make nacra above hobie but i have a New nacra f16, and i learned to sail on a hobie 13 yeah... iT exist
i have got a hobie 13
Yes
Everyone should at least own a Hobie 16 at least once in a lifetime
at least!
I concur! I got my feet whet with an old Prindle 16, while I loved the prindle, it was very old, missed its trapeze and tended to break. Then I upgraded to a hobie 16 in much better condition, its like I've rediscovered sailing !
Hell yes!
🤩
I live in Greece and used to be a Hobie guy years ago. Joe put me the cat virus again so I started looking desperately for a H16 even if I weight 95Kg!
Last week I found instead a very decent NACRA 5.0.... Joe your opinion is needed please!
The Nacra 5.0 will certainly deliver some great sailing. It's a different feel to the Hobie but still a very worthwhile choice.
I've personally never sailed one, maybe hang out for a 16 - I can give a shout out to see if we can find one if you like?
@@JoyriderTV Hi Joe.
I really thank you for your reply. Here is the story. The NACRA 5.0 is a 94’ complete with trailer and beach wheels. No dents. With a very quick look it needs a main sail, a new trampoline and a rudder casting. I’ll have to rig it to see what’s really missing or has to be replaced. The cat hasn’t seen the Aegean for more than 10 years and is resting to my local yacht club. The good: probably I’ll take it for 1.5K. The bad: as it has no papers I’ll have to check with the ‘’Limenarchio’’ for a solution. Also baby twins just arrived so I have to be very careful where I spend and as how I’ll prepare the wife… :) Most probably I’ll present it as my getaway project…. Anyhow I’ll let you know. If things go south, then I’ll contact you for a H16. Also there is 05’ Hobie Tiger for 2.7K with trailer and beach wheels.
Nacra 5.0 is good for you solo. Also no dagger boards.
No love for the H18? Also, you guys get many americans at Wildwind? I'm dying to go.
I love the H18, we sold ours about 10 years ago and now we just have Tigers and Pacifics.
If we could get an 18 or two i'd jump at the chance.
We don't get many Americans over here, just one or two in the season.
Get in touch if you're thinking of making the trip - joe@wildwind.co.uk
Can you then do an 18 v Tiger video?
What!!!!!
Just briljant:)
Thanks!
@@JoyriderTV I bought an older 16 in the winter of 2020/2021 and litterally all I did in order to restore it was based on your videos. New rigging installation, ropes, trampoline mounting, rudder cam issues, travellers and so on and so on. I can say that I would not have come clise to where I am at now without your highly informative videos. I actually take it for a spin almost every day and I love every bloody second of it. I made a self designed construction with an 55 lbs trolling motor in order to be able to get myself to the lake. Personally I think the construction is so useful that it is worth sharing via your channel. I will try to send you some footage soon. Grtz Alexander
@@ASvanRandwijck Great!!
I'm very glad that the content has been so useful.
Yes, if you send some pictures or video of your motor I'll put it in an episode of Show us your cat!
"Probably yes"? BUY THE HOBIE, NO QUESTION. But good video anyway.
Definitely yes unless your regular team are heavy.
Very helpful, thanks Joe!
Can you do the same on an H 18?
Cut my teeth on a 14 this summer, and shopping now to upgrade.
Of course the guys selling 18s say that's the Cadillac Hobie, and the guys selling 16s say the 18 is too big and heavy for a Newb.
You will never cut your teeth on a 18!! I absolutely love my 18 and sail it in SF bay
Is this 150kg recommendation a hard rule? I personally weigh 100kg. Would that mean taking another friend about my size would make this boat too annoying to enjoy? It seems like the right size for single handing for me, but somewhat unfortunate if it just cant handle 190-200kg.
It's still fun but you'd need some decent wind. I regularly sail the 16 with 180 + If i was racing i'd be destroyed by the lightweights. I think that you need to try one.
Thank you Joseph. These videos should be sponsored by Hobie because I've already checked out prices of new ones, and even if I get used I'm sure they appreciate part sales too. Heck, I'm from the US and also thinking about a Wildwind sailing vacation. Very fair pricing IMO even after my flight costs and what a location.
thanks! It's nice to know that the videos are hitting the spot. Maybe see you out here one day.
You should have also covered the downsides. Like delaminating hulls, loose pylons, worn mast base to name a few.
All of those problems can be fixed.
Hal Stead , But it would be good to learn from Joe the common issues to watch for, especially for Newbs thinking of buying in. What can be fixed v what's a show stopper.
Though the guy above comes across as a hater the way that's written.
Great Video !! Audio..... Hmmm..
I thought that the audio was pretty good - any specific points that could be improved in future videos?
such a pain to tack tho :)
Arthur Pieters , Have heard the 18s tack super easy because of the dagger boards, but hoping Joe will weigh in.
Think about tacking a hobie 16 as steering an arc like a portion of a circle instead of doing a hard tack. Wait until the jib back winds before you release it and take it in on the other side.
No
Dragoon better.
🚀
No. 1 reason should be if your wife will let you. 😂
If she’s not supportive of your sailing, Then you’re “sunk”.
No never buy a boat with a engine and fill it with hot girls .Simple!!!!
🤩
No good
Your last screen said to not buy one if you're too heavy. How heavy is "too heavy"? I weigh 216 lbs and am thinking of getting my first used one
Maximum weight for competitive racing would be around 350lbs (helm and crew) For fun sailing, especially heavy winds max would be about 440
So anything less works