Hobie Cat Max used buy/sell, 4 ads listing and price

Hobie Cat Max — complete overview

History and design Origin

Developed by Hobie Cat Europe in the mid‑2000s to offer a modern alternative to the Hobie 16, with a focus on club/sailing‑school use and leisure–sport versatility. Sources differ on the exact introduction year (early brochures around 2003, European production references around 2007). Design: 16‑foot beach catamaran in polyester/fiberglass, high‑volume hulls, boomless mainsail on “Easy/Club” versions for safety, EZ‑Loc rudders, and molded carry handles. Mast ~8 m, double trapeze on Sport/Race versions. Rig (typical Max Race): mainsail ~12.7 m², jib ~3.7 m², spinnaker ~18.5 m²; upwind sail area ~16.3 m². CE 3C/3D. Length 4.90 m; beam 2.50 m; light displacement ~145 kg; capacity ~240 kg.

Characteristics and target crew Program

A modern beach‑cat designed for intensive club/school use and sport‑minded leisure crews; available as Easy/Club (easy handling, robust), Sport (more sail area), and Race/Evolution (higher‑spec hardware and sails, optional spinnaker). Safety/ergonomics: boomless mainsail on some versions, standard mast float, easy‑lifting rudders, integrated handles; simplified launch and recovery. Target crews: light to mixed pairs (teens–adults), clubs seeking a forgiving, up‑to‑date 16‑footer; possible for casual sailing with three aboard within CE/load limits.

• Used market and price trends Observed range (France, 2024–2025; converted to USD):

• Entry level/older model years (approx. 2010–2016), refreshed but without spinnaker: listings starting around ~ $ 2,700 depending on condition and refit.

• More recent/well‑equipped boats (Sport, Race/Evolution, sometimes with spinnaker, covers, beach trolley): commonly advertised around ~

  $2100 to 4,300; a still‑young market but growing.

• Outside France: example 2008 “Max Race” listing around ~ $ 6,900 in Spain, consistent with mid‑range values depending on sails/hardware.

New price indications (incl. VAT at French dealers in 2024–2025; converted to USD and varying by version/options):

• Max Easy/Club: roughly ~

  $15,700 to $18,100.

• Max Evolution/Race (sportier spec): from about ~ $ 16,900 and up depending on the package.

• Older public reference (ex‑VAT, circa 2017): about ~ $ 11,300 (useful as a historical benchmark, before VAT/options).

Note: USD figures are approximate conversions using ~1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD and rounded.

Quick buying tips What to check

Trampoline condition (stitching/UV), wear on rudders and kick‑up systems (EZ‑Loc), hardware play (blocks, cleats), standing rigging (turnbuckles/crimps), condition of main/jib (shape, battens, grommets) and spinnaker if fitted; mast float operation and molded handle integrity. A beach launch/landing test is recommended. Versions: for schools/clubs and sporty beginners, look at Easy/Club; for progression and local racing, Sport/Race/Evolution packages add higher‑spec hardware, double trapeze, and often a spinnaker.