WELCOME TO THE
HOBIE WAY OF LIFE
Congratulations on the purchase of your new HOBIE 18’ and welcome to the HOBIE® sailing family. The HOBIE 18 cannot be
outgrown. A single adult can sail it at top performance - and a crew of four can cruise in comfort.
We offer this manual as a guide to increased safety and enjoyment of your new boat. The purpose of this publication is to provide easy, simple and accurate instructions on how to get your Hobie 18’ ready for the water. Please read them carefully and familiarize yourself with the boat and all of the parts spread before you.
Whether you are a new sailor or a veteran of many years, we recommend that you read this thoroughly before your first sail and TRY IT OUR WAY FIRST! If you are new to sailing, this manual alone is not intended to teach you how to sail. There are many excellent books, videos and courses on the safe handling of small sailboats. We suggest that you contact your local sailboat dealer, college or Coast Guard Auxiliary for recommendations.
Watch for overhead wires whenever you are rigging, launching, sailing or trailering with the mast up. CONTACT OF THE MAST WITH POWER LINES COULD BE FATAL! Be certain that the rigging area and the area that you will be sailing in are free of overhead power lines. Report any such power lines to your local power authority and sail elsewhere.
We take pride in presenting the Hobie 18’ to you and hope that you'll take as much pride in owning her.
Fair winds and good sailing!
