Hi Ya'l.

I have had wee hunt around, and haven't bee able to find a similar post.

I think it would be really useful to have a list of questions to ask when looking around to buy a cat. (Second hand)

These should be questions that a newbie like me could ask when looking to buy a small cat (say 14 - 18ft).

I will use these questions myself, when I look around at getting a Windrush 14.

I will edit this post with suggested questions, so as to create a concise list.

Add your best questions...


Questions to ask when buying your cat...

- How old is it
- How old are the sails
- Does it come with a rolly-up thing for the sail/s
- What are the hulls made of (foam, wood etc)

Ultimate Catamaran Buyers Guide

I have a Tiger Shark add on Trademe. You can contact me in the next few days about a Windrush I will be moving on after this weekend. A friend may want this boat. If he does not you might consider it. Whatever happens I am happy to show you over the boat and show you exactly what to look for re sails, glass, gear, etc.

Thanks Warbird - yours must be the one for $100,000 - not for sale <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

I will try and email you via TradeMe.

Cheers,

ASK ABOUT THE HULLS!! Make the effort to go out and see the boat before you buy it. I have learned the hard way that there are sellers who are very good at making a bad boat look good. Take a trip out and evaluate the boat before you buy it, and make sure that you look at the hulls. Are there any significant scratches, dings, are the SOFT? that is a huge question to ask. Just search "soft spots" here on the forums, and im sure you will get hundreds of responses. Other than that, make sure you ask if there is a trailer included, what condition the rigging (lines) [ropes] is in, and take a look at the trampoline as well. All rigging is important, standing and running. Make sure your standing rigging, (wires) is not fraying, and also look for wear on the running rigging (lines). Also I would ask the seller if they could include the owners manual for the boat with the sale. This will help you a TON, even if its from 1976 and a "vintage" book.

Good Luck and have fun!