Winter greetings from Finland! I have a question about my old hobie 18 magnum with a sailnumber 7394. Where I can find some information about it? Age, where it was build etc. My father bought it several years ago and I will start to sail with it next summer. I have a strong background of sailing (multihulls since 1974) but not so much with hobies. Any good tips for start? Thanks!

On the stern of one of the hulls you should find a string of numbers that will provide clues to the date of manufacture. Please post the number and I am sure that some one can decipher them.

Thank you, but I already checked that one. The hulls has been painted so many times so apparently the text is gone. Any other ways?. Is there some special features or modifications for the hulls etc. which could tell me approx. the age?

Mr. Miller?

Did the way that the wings were attached ever change?

At any rate, change tha shrouds, trapezez, forestay and bridles at minimum, you don,t know how old they are. Use white lithium grease to lube the rudder cams, check the bolts that hold the rudders on, lube or replace the O rings on any inspection ports and the same for the hull drain plugs. inspect all sheets and halyard for signs of deterioration and you should be set to sail.

Eric - since he's in Finland, I'd wager that the boat was built by Hobie Cat France.

Minor changes made in the US are not always reflected in the European models and vice versa.

True. Being that is a magnum, it can;t be ancient. A good tune up should get the boat going again.

Hi Nicholas:

I live in Western New York and we have a number of Hobie 18s. I have a Hobie Magnum and I wouldn't trade this boat for the world because it's extremely stable and the ride on the wings makes it very dry. I can go for hours without getting chilled.

Phil Berman authored an Hobie 18 Performance Manual and you should be able to find a copy someplace. I'll bet any Hobie dealership could track one down for you. The boat has not changed much except for the kick-up rudders that were added in the early 80's. Really check out those rudders, because if they are they old style, your gudeons will snap off when you hit shallow water.

You'll have fun with this boat because there are so many ways to improve the performance with power downhauls, ochen blocks, etc.

Keep on writing for more information, but get the book. You'll find everything you need to know.

Wyatt
Fleet 119, Angola NY