As I indicated in one of my first posts, Finding sailors for a cat group has been a real challenge here in WV. I met with two local high school principles. Both are now showing real interest (including a school presentation) in my plan to teach their youth that our lakes hold more for them then bass and catfish. These educators can see the value and art of sailing. I hope I can take advantage of that and start with kids from 14 years and up to...(well,here that could be 25) lol

In short boys, I need your help... I need a two man rig. This will allow me to be on the water with these kids untile I can let them lose on one of my small cats (Sea Spray 15's) I found that boat too small and lite for such work. The Hobie 16 would seem to be my best bet both in cost and load carrying capablities. If you know of a old Hobie 16 cheap or better yet free..contact me and I will follow up. BTW, soft hulls are OK with me..just need one that will float. We, the kids and I will do the needed work here.

BTW, any other boat ideas would be most welcome

Thanks in advance boys

Here in Seattle we work through Sail Sandpoint -- a non-profit organization that has a fleet of Hobie Waves and Hobie 16s, as well as the usual gaggle of 420s and Optis.

We find people willing to donate 16s. In exchange, they get a tax write-off. I wonder if your school entity -- or another non-profit organization (like Sea Scouts, or...) can help provide the donation framework. We are now up to 6 16s -- all donated.

We also got some of the local sailors to make cash charitable contributions, and we will use that $ to upgrade and maintain the boats.

Oh! I almost forgot! The Hobie Waves were also donated. All brand new! We got corporations and boating industry groups and private individuals to buy and donate them. Again, the 503(c) status helped.

Bob, this is very cool. I'll keep my ear to the ground for possible boats for you. If there is any other support we can provide let me know.

Mark

PETER , thanks for the data. I have done some work with the Sea Scouts in Napa Ca. Wish we had a nearby group. It may be that once we prove our program viable, we can get corp. help etc. MARK , thanks for your positive vote. I'm sure, you,or some one will hear about a boat that fits our near term needs. Meanwhile, I continue to follow the classifides for 16 or ? Oh how I wish now I had not left the Free Style 747 in calif.
Some times its OK to leave some thing behind when you are looking to the future eh..

Put the word out with Hobie Cat Division 3 (NorCal) http://www.hobie3.org/. If anyone knows where boats are they would.