Look, I'm as adventuresome as the next guy and done some crazy, stupid sh$t over the years. Taking a 1986 Hobie 18 300 miles in a race that mostly cover offshore areas and has a significant offshore crossing involved is NOT something I would do. I would gladly have taken my 1980 TheMightyHobie18 in said race, that boat was heavy and built like a tank, plus had all the reinforcements done. Your 86' falls under warranty years for the type of cracking you have experienced:
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=21208There are plenty of turn key boats for sale in the $5K range. Really, start selling your good parts and buy a new boat for the race:
http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/catamarans/p12406-1994-prindle-p19.html
