If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

Talk to Sol cat owners, learn as much as you can about their cats good and bad habits. Learn what to look for to know whether it is in good condition or a disaster waiting to happen, what is its history? has it had regular maintenance, does it have hull/beam cracks, had major repairs, got corrosion in fittings, frayed wires etc.

Get advice, you could be buying a bottomless hole to pour your hard earned dollars down. You may have to undertake extensive repairs before you even get to the water ie new tramp, sails, wires, beams, rudders, trailer tyres, beach wheels.. the list go on and on.

If and when you get it wet, stay reasonably close to shore until you get your confidence up (especially if you do the wrong thing, something breaks, you need help or in the worst case have to swim to shore). Sail with other craft. Always, always wear a PFD.

Some cats can be incredibly forgiving until the wind rises just enough for their large sail area to turn them into powerful, difficult to control machines.

I see many cats sitting in backyards because owners are too intimidated to take them out.

I called my first cat 'Lemon' cos I paid and paid for my mistake.