$300 for boat and trailer, sounds pretty hard to beat

i've pulled up the numbers for a few similar sized and aged boats, the kind you are most likely to find sold cheaply in the usa

Length Width Sail A Weight
Supercat 17 17'00 8'00 234 325
Nacra 5.2 17'00 8'00 220 350
Hobie-16 16'07 7'11 218 340
Hobie-18 18'00 8'00 240 400
Prindle 18 18'00 8'00 218 350

data comes from this page

http://www.multihullsmag.com/boats/boatlists/cats_up_to_20_feet.htm

seems to show the supercat17 is light and has a lot of sail, both good

here is the link to the previously mentioned ultimate catamaran buyers guide

http://www.sailingproshop.com/catamaran_guide.aspx

it doesn't seem to mention the supercat17 but the information is still good for generic checks about battens, rigging etc.

probably a good idea to join the arc forum and ask specific supercat17 buyers questions there. maybe someone has a manual they could copy for you?

http://www.aquarius-sail.com/catamarans/index.htm

be best if the seller will tow it to the water with you and rig everything, even if you don't sail. but for $300 he may not want to bother. if so spend a day trying to rig everything by yourself in the yard. you only have to be missing a rudder or the main block to add another $300 to the price to get it sailing

not sure if the supercat17 came with the "righting shrouds", would be good if it did and you want to solo a lot

post some pics if you can and do some searches on this site

http://www.catsailor.com/forums/showflat...;o=&fpart=1