As I've posted before, I think important things are affordable boats, good water access, and good storage.
<br>
<br>As for price not being an issue - we've added a fair number of new members to our Fleet over the last two years. None of them have a new boat. So far none of them are interested right now in paying $14k for a new boat. New boats do not seem to be an option for any of them. They'd love them, sure, but it's probably not going to happen. They've all gotten in by picking up used cats (mostly 5.8s) for under or around $3k. Our latest addition picked up a used Prindle-18 for under $1k and are enthusiastic. They'll move up some day. Others that are on the sidelines looking to join in are looking for used boats. For the price, nobody is interested in a Wave, either. Most of these people would not bother if there was not an alternative to the price tag on a new boat. Most of these people would not bother if they could not leave their boats set up.
<br>
<br>Set-up time - Most every new boat (with some speed) is a gaggle of lines. I remember my 14 and being happy that I could set it up in 20 minutes by myself. My 18 was a step up in time rigging, and it's about the max I'd want to do for recreational sailing. Some of the new stuff looks like a significant investment in time of getting all the various lines rigged right. Fine for the hardcore (I wouldn't mind for racing), daunting and a pain in the butt for the entry level sailor.
<br>
<br>Comparing sails of ski boats to entry level cat sailing is apples and oranges. Most people I know that are into powerboats find lots of ways to denigrate sailing in general. They take pride in how much they spend on fuel. They are not your market. The people that are are the ones that sit on the sideline of boating in general because the whole thing is too much money and hassle. They like the freedom of sailing but can't figure how to make it work. WE NEED TO SHOW THEM HOW TO MAKE IT WORK!
<br>
<br><br><br>Keith, Annapolis, Md.
<br>H-18
<br>Northstar 500 (monoslug)
<br>
www.wrcra.org
