Hello,
I was in the same boat as you two years ago. I had know idea as to what went where. Just keep asking questions and you'll get lots of help. Where are you located? Maybe you can check out another boat from someone on the list?
The Hobie 18 manual will be lots of help and is available online at: http://www.hobiecat.com/support/tech/sailboat.html
Good luck,
Jack Hoying
Fort Loramie, Ohio