Well, after a long search I finally found a catamaran. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I purchased a Hobie 16 that is in great condition. It is 1989 Hobie Alter Signature Edition. Not sure what that means other than the sails being somewhat different. The hulls and sails are in excellent shape, the tramp is in good shape but may need replacement after about 2 more years. The guy threw in an extra boom, extra lines, bag full of extra parts and a harness. The trailer is galvanized and in excellent shape. All this for $1500. I think I really got a great deal. At any rate, I am now ready to join the ranks of cat sailors out there. I have very little experience, so the learning curve will be great early on. Maybe someone can suggest some good resources for a beginner.

Also can someone lead me to the hull ID#? I have to fill out a P504 form in Texas, but have yet to find the hull ID. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Thanks and have a great day,

Walter

Congratulations!

Hull ID should be on the back of the starboard (right side) hull.

Walter, Congratulations! Sounds like a beautiful cat! The serial number is on the sterns of each hull. I think it's above the rudder gudgeons(?) and may be hard to see because it's just scratched into the gelcoat with an electric engraver. Keep us posted.

Yup, both hulls. It is engraved, so if any repair or painting has been done they may be covered.
Serial number location on Hobie Cat sailboats

Welcome to cat sailing! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Welcome! Bring your sence of humor and humility with you. You are about to have the best time and meet the very best people on the planet...

Thanks guys,

Found the ID right where y'all said it would be. I had looked and looked the night before and could not find it. That was the problem............I was searching at night.

At any rate, thanks and I will post some pics as soon as possible.

Walter

And your spell checker.

Here is one photo

Have you found some info on setting up the 16 yet? its not all to do with that extra 1% on the race track, a properly set up boat is easier to sail and you will get more enjoyment out of it.
From the photo [in which you may have only thrown the boat together in excitement] your mast certainly needs to lean back more and the sai battens need tightening up

all the best

Add a second trap line and get rid of the dog bones. A bridle fly wind indicator will help.

The photo is from the previous owner. Of course, being new its quite possible that my set-up would have been much worse. At any rate, I appreciate the advice and would welcome more.

Hobie1616, please explain "second trap line". <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Also, I believe there is a bridle fly wind indicator attached now. Is that the small holder with the feather attached to the lines on the very bow of the hulls?...................jeesh....now I am beginning to feel really stupid! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Is there a good book that explains all this extra stuff plus the fundamentals of sailing cats?

Thanks a bunch,

Walter

It may just be my imagination, but there doesn't appear to be a forestay other than the jib. Perhaps that is the problem with the mast rake.

Jib zips around the forestay, you won't see it.

Clayton

I believe the previous owner rigged just enough to take the photo to place on the internet. Just my opnion though.

Not on a H-16. The jib replaces the forestay when hoisted.

That sail is from the 1988 H-16 Nationals in Corpus Christi.

Don't feel stupid, we all were beginners once and really don't mind answering questions or helping.

Well done on that buy and welcome to cat sailing.
First day in water should be safety functions focused.
So turn the boat over in water at beach and have a good look at the bottom of it so it does not confuse you when you flip it out deep. Think about how to get it up the right way and let it flip down into the water. This will let you know that you do not want that hull coming down on your head. Push it out past your waist and then find out how to get on it. See it like a monkey gym, something that you are happy to climb all over any side up.
I know you will just want to get on it and sail but this twenty minutes will prove really valuable.
Remember when the boat has flipped, first let mainsheet and downhaul off.
These boats are so popular and so many people are good at using them you wil have a great learning curve as experience is everywhere.
Have the very best time out there as you have purchased a huge amount of entertainment.

It just so happens that the good folks who bring you this site also offer an excellent resource - order your copy of Rick White's "Catamaran Sailing for the 90's" now! Go to the store on this site...

Welcome to the fold! Looks like a great boat - you'll have fun!

Speaking of "Catamaran Sailing for the 90's" When is there going to be a "catamaran sailing for the 21st century" ?

Also does anyone have a copy of the 80's books?

This will without any doubt, be the best $1500 you ever spend in your life, and joining a sailing club will be the next best thing you'll ever do.

Good luck and have fun,

Berny