Getting ready to go look at a 1976 hobie and a 1982 hobie to buy. Are there any significant disadvantage to the older Hobies compared to the newer ones other than condition? Thanks!

If you are interested in racing (sounds like you are from your post in the Open Forum), get a '95 or newer.

There are a lot of little upgrades that have been made over the years that make a '76 much different than a '95, even though they are superficially identical.

Probably the biggest difference will be weight. Older boats are heavier - sometimes much heavier.

Are the upgrades hardware that I can buy? Or is it design changes like hull materials and stuff?

Are the old ones heavier because they are waterlogged? Or different hull and spars?

Thanks!

There aren't many choices around here for used ones.

Eddy,

You can buy parts to upgrade. Contact these folks Phoenix Hobie Fleet 66 before you buy.