Looking to buy a Hobie 20 (1999), boat seems in good
condition (from Web pictures), Any thing about this
model/year that I should be looking out for.
Consider about 1,000 boats were built, all the early "issues" were resolved quickly. An aquaintance has one of the first '92's and had transom problems. Our '94 showed cracking in the area where the transom meets the deck, we kept an eye on it and it never got worse, or leaked. Have never seen, or heard of this on later model 20's.
The bridle tangs can be a source of leakage, again on early models.
We had an issue with our mast tang rivets pulling out (or slowly backing out) of the mast. I heard of this on other 20's.
The head grommet of the jib sail would pull out, if, too much halyard/luff tension was applied. They fixed this with a strapping piece sewn through the grommet. Should be easily identifiable. I think this update was about '98 or '99.
In general, it seems as though HCC responded to all feedback.