I'm considering buying a catamaran but I really don't know anything about them. I hear all day up and down that they're great, but what are some of the problems that you experience with your average catamaran?

If you can help us out a little by narrowing down your request some, you will get much more insightfull responses. Are you looking for a boat to play on? Something just for you, or to take the wife/Girlfriend and kids out on too? Do you want to race? What is your experience/skill level to start with? There are many options starting with the Hobie Wave at one end of the spectrum and the modern high tech spin boats at the other end. All of the choices have there pro's and con's. Narrowing the choices down to the boat that most fits your needs will allmost guarantee you a great boat that you will enjoy!

This is going to sound strange. But I'm trying to sink it using non-conventional methods. It's a science project. I'd imagine it will be a low end yet sturdy vessel.

Define "Unconventional methods"... we all remember USS Cole...

Low end and sturdy pretty much defines a Hobie 14 or 16, but they are essentially unsinkable unless the flotation blocks are removed. (There's a big block of styrofoam in each hull that will keep the boat afloat even if the hull is full of water.)

I only have one response:



PLUS



EQUALS



[/hijack]

OK, I get the message - don't ever let Capt. Kirk near your boat with a chainsaw.

I prefer this photo, though (from the same site):

Those . . er . . um . . That's a nice snapper you've got there, miss! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

OH, you definitly want something with ONE hull. They're sooooo much better for blowing up! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ok, I'll help out. If you really want to blow it up I have just the thing for you:

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/blog/tincan

This thing is going down sooner or later anyway.

Dennis