When we used to keep our boats on the beach at Topanga, there wasn't one weekend that someone didn't come up to us and ask about renting or getting a ride on the cats, all summer long. On an average weekend, we would have 2-6 boats set up.

It's all about visibility and ease of access to try out the boats. Our beach was right next to the highway so it was easy to get to. When we were out in the water flying a hull, it was easy to watch and get people interested. It's got to look like fun!

Question is would they buy a boat if they could? Depends upon the follow up. Maybe.

The other issue for us is the ease of launch and setup. Having a boat on the sand at the water's edge is way more inviting than trailering and storage and mast raising. Here in Socal, getting that kind of access is a problem. We battled for a long time with the County until they allowed it but only in very limited areas.

If the cat mfgs wanted to help build demand, they would need to be involved in opening easy (and reasonably priced) launch areas.

On the other hand, I have been involved with a sailing program at UCLA the past 7 years, teaching monos and cats. Our cat classes were some of the hardest to fill.

Sheldon
P-18