I've been looking for a S27 to buy as my first cat, but in the back of my mind I've been nervious that a S27 will be way to much boat for me to 'learn' on. I've casually been looking for a smaller beachcat to get some seat time with this season before getting my future S27 in the water for next season. My logic was to start small and work my way up, well it sounded like a good reason to buy yet another boat anyway!

So I was looking on ebay for a 16 to get me started and sure enough there was a H16 on the block located within 40 miles from me. The listing had no picture, said it's a 1990, white hulls (solid with no problems), rainbow sail, white jib (both in great condition), galv. trailer, beach wheels, new "transom" last year, stored indoors for part of it's life, needs nothing and is ready to sail. The boat had met the reserve at $1000 (one bidder) and there was less than 30 minutes to go before the end of the auction when I got in touch with the owner. The owner said the cat was in great shape, he was just sick of having to step the mast to use it, so it's been sitting inside all season. When I asked him about the new transom he was a little confused then said that was a error and he meant to say it had a new "tramp" last year and the boat had had no transom work. He also mentioned any questionable rigging was replaced within the last two years and is 100% read to go... no leaks either. It all sounded good to me so I placed a bit with 20 seconds to go and won the auction for $1025. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Obviously I'll check the hulls and sails really well when I pick it up this weekend. Any other major things to be concerned about that could be a deal breaker?

I think I did alright if the cat is as described, but I don't really know much about the value of these boats. If everything is as described, how did I do? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Personally, I think for a 90' boat with wheels, good sails, and no delam of the hulls, you really got a good deal. Just be sure to re-check your hulls to make sure they weren't repaired, and make sure to have some spare pins and shackles just in case the boat is missing some. When I bought my boat used, the rudders looked as if they had barely survived a high impact landing, and the castings were cracked, so I would also reccomend checking that out. Other than that, it seems to me like you got a good deal for a nice boat. The 16 is a great boat to learn on, so get a feel for cat sailing on it then up to the S27. Welcome to the family

Sounds like a great deal to me! Looks like you get to spend your first weeks sailing your boat, rather than fixing it up like most first time buyers.

Have fun!!
Jack

Thanks Vinny,
I'll check the rudders and the castings. I'll also pick up some spare pins and shackles. Where do you suggest getting parts from?


Jack,
I hope it actually is a great deal... you know how things bought off ebay can be. I guess the nice thing about picking up your auction item is you can always walk away with the cash still in your hand if the item is not as described. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I'm really looking forward to picking the boat up and getting on the water. My only concern is the fall winds are slowly starting to pick up, which is not ideal for learning, so I'll have to really pick my days.

Thanks guys! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would investigate and find the nearest Hobie Parts Dealer in the area, you can find the nearest one on the hobie website. Take a trip to the dealer and I'm sure they will have all the spare items you need. If no dealer is near, I would also puchase the parts from catsailor, the selection here is great and you can get whatever you need from the Online Store.
-happy sailing!

Well, I had to walk. The boat was not as described (hard to believe, I know). I was told the boat was a 1990 with no hull issues. It turned out to be a 1981 with hull work and no paper work for the boat or the trailer. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I have a line on a 1985 for a little less money with an aluminum trailer and cat tracks. We'll see how that goes...

i would reccomend searching for boats, if this one does not work out as well, on craigslist, you can do a search by cities nearby. thats the place i found my boat. and good luck on the 85

I just sold my 85' with solid hulls, two sets of sails,aluminum trailer, and a bunch of upgrades for $2200.00. I think I got really good money for it. So if that gives you any kind of benchmark to go off of.

Thanks guys for your help.

The owner of the 85' H16 is going to deliver it on 9/10 as he's going to be passing through my area. He says the hulls are 100% solid (a little faded), never any hull work, never dragged on the sand, the tramp is usable, but will need replacing in the future (hiking staps still good), Tequila Sunrise blue sail and matching jib, roller jib (white), good rigging, and all setup for the traps (but he doesn't have the harnesses), aluminum trailer with spare, cat trax. Agreed purchase price of $900. Fair enough?

More than fair. I'm not in the market for a H16 right now, but would probably buy it at that price.
Jack

Great, thanks Jack! I haven't seen enough of these boats to really know exactly what they're worth, but I thought the price on this one was at least fair, if not slightly under priced. I'm not out to get a screaming deal, I just don't want to pay more than what should be considered a fair value...

Thanks again!

I sold an '84 H16 with two sets of sails (one set was only used for one season) most of the racing upgrades of the early 90's and no trailer (I had an old one that may have lasted for one more year that I threw in for free) for $2200. The boat was in great shape but I didn't have room for that and the TheMightyHobie18.

I think you have a great deal. The trailer alone is worth more than $900.