I would imagine the price of a new boat P18 in in 83 was about 3500 for the boat... the Trailer about 6 to 8 hundred for a galvanized trailer. back in the day. (based on what I paid for an 18 footer in 1987.
2500 without a sailbox (hard to find a solid one) seems very steep They certainly go their money's worth. 1000 to 1500 is much more reasonable.
But the availability of solid boats of that era is decreasing. Hobie 16's of that era should be going for about 500...
Sometimes... the parts value of the boat is worth more then the boat... BUT... they have to be able to sell the parts as well.
The rec sailors I know who traded up from a P16 to a P18 were not as happy because they sailed mostly solo and the P18 was not rightable and tougher to move on the beach. He traded back down to a P16 a year or two later.
good luck
You may have overpaid a bit, but it is not as bad as mark makes it out to be. If it is in very good condition then you may have gotten your moneys worth. It’s done now time to enjoy the boat.
Everyone who has a P18 I know has the same 2 complaints it is hard to tack in chop and you can’t solo right without a water bag. Besides that I have heard/experienced nothing but great things. I move my 330 lb P18 through soft sand alone all the time with no problems. The hobie 18 and F18 are 70lbs heavier and it really makes a difference.
Post any questions and read the manual/tuning guide I posted earlier.
Matt
