Hobie 18 | This awesome Hobie 18 comes complete with a registered Trailer, Spinnaker, Sailbox, and Dolly – all in great condition.

A solid, reliable boat that’s been well cared for and ready for many more adventures on the water.

Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the thrill of sailing.  More pictures coming soon, so keep an eye out!

The Hobie 18 was introduced in 1977 as the performance cat that would take the Hobie family of boats to the next level. Designed with symmetrical hulls and daggerboards. The boat also incorporated equipment not available on earlier Hobie designs. Two prime examples are the Roller Furling Jib and an integrated traveler track on the rear crossbar. Another significant departure from previous Hobie designs was the loose footed Mainsail. Integral hiking / trapeezing wings Spring-loaded pivoting daggerboards controlled with a single line Mylar / Dacron taffeta sails First Hobie to be designed with a Comptip New rudder castings that would be retrofitted to the 18 and be standard on all future models.

The boat was an immediate success, and competitive fleets sprouted up in North America, Australia and to a lesser extent in Europe, where the boat was built with an all-aluminum mast, tapered above the hounds. The 18 became an ISAF International Class in 1990.

Versatility

The Hobie 18 is probably the most versatile catamaran ever built. There are still active and competitive fleets in many areas of the country. It is equally enjoyable both as a racer and as a day sailor. With the jib furled, it can be easily single handed like the Hobie 14, or wings can be added, and it becomes a very manageable family day sailor/cruiser. It can easily be sailed off the beach, and yet is much less “active” than its smaller cousins, stable and forgiving without being as technical and “spirited” as the Hobie 20 ¨For those looking for a bit more of a thrill, you can pick up a SX rig

Sailing Characteristics

The Hobie 18 is once again incredibly versatile. The boat handles well over a wide range of conditions. It will point a bit higher than its asymmetrical cousin, although it is a bit wetter in heavy winds because the trampoline closer to the water. It is built like a tank, and will stand up well to as much wind as you are comfortable sailing. In extremely light conditions it will not live up to its Portsmouth rating, but when sailed by a competent crew will still keep up with both the Hobie 16 and the Hobie 20. The tall bows make it very difficult to “pitch pole” and it is a much smoother ride than the smaller Hobies. The Hobie 18 can be sailed well with relatively inexperienced crew, because while there are many more adjustments than on the Hobie 16, they are not nearly as critical to the overall performance of the boat as they are on the Hobie 20 or the Hobie Tiger/Wildcat.