Petro:



I would first recommend that you wait for the right deal to pop up. I purchased a H16 earlier this year for $550 and just bought a TheMightyHobie18 a couple of weeks ago for $400. No, neither of these boats were grimy, run down, delapidated or lemons. I just happened to find two different people that NEEDED to get rid of their boats. The 16 needs more upgrades than the 18, but that is because I got a sweet deal on the 18 (already had upgrades on it). Both were complete with trailer and I even got cat trax with the 18! Just bide your time and the right one will come up. I would highly recommend looking at:



http://www.sailingproshop.com/Catamaran.htm



This is a comprehensive guide to anyone who wants to buy any type of cat. I would keep my eyes open on:



http://www.catsail.com/classified.shtml

http://www.boattraderonline.com/

and of course here on Rick's site. All are good places to find used boats.



Lastly, you wanted to know how to tell what year the Hobie was made in. If you look on the rear of the hull, you can find a ID number and the last two digits of the number represent the year the hull was made.



Good luck in your search!!! See you on the water!



Kip

H16

TheMightyHobie18