Broken Leg Sailor....

The recommendations to start on a H16 are sound and a cant lose option. I have been CAT sailing since the 70s and the H16 is the absolute cheapest, easiest to find, easy to sell beach cat around. In our area, they come up under $1000 frequently; my last two 16s didn't cost over $500, the better of the two was actually $400. Although harder to find at this price, they come up far more frequently than you would imagine.

While technologically in the dark ages, the Hobie 16 with its asymmetrical hulls and lack of daggerboards, still is a blast to sail. It's one of the best BEATERS on the coast and used parts float around on ebay all the time. Dan Berger of VA Beach sells used gear as well (I got a sound pair of white hulls, frame, tramp for $200 with good bottoms).

Carry a friend or two out for an easy going cruise or power up and hit the trap(s) for a full-on blast. Two can rule on a properly rigged H16 with grins all around. Of course, in heavy air with swells offshore, you learn to develop ye olde "third eye" on that leeward hull watching for the sub action.

You ask about soloing... Well, on the H16, this is not for the faint of heart in 15knts and above. I would recommend a LOT OF TRAP time with the tiller and a full understanding of sail control before attempting this. Still, soloing on my H16 is my favorite - Flying a hull solo offshore in 12-15knts on a H16 is the CHEAPEST CAT BLAST you can do! Smooth reactions with proper weight distribution, helm control, and minute trim corrections on the main are very important (done smoothly). Yet on a good day with steady air, you can fly a hull solo till you get TIRED of it...


H16 solo offshore - see land in distance - broken halyard, old Chuck Taylors, Birdwells, seat of pants
"cheap" fun - Definition of Beach CAT sailing!

Want to move up? Simply sell your beater H16 for what you paid for it and move on. I have never lost money on a H16. And even after moving up the cat chain, I still regard it as one of the best beater beach cats around. Look for white hulls, 83 and later (lighter). Inspect bottoms for wear and area forward of front pillars for softness (press down on deck).

Hobie 16 = CHEAP - PLENTIFUL - PARTS - STILL A BLAST....

Kelly