I have the opportunity to purchase one of two catamarans right now and I am looking for some advice.
1. 1980 Sol Cat 18, Refinished in 2007 with fiberglass reinforcement to the entire hull, new rudders, new standing and running rigging, all new tackle, new battens in not so old sails. Orange hulls, plenty in hull storage, rainbow sails. With trailer and beach wheels. $ 2,500
2. 2002 Dart Stampede 20 Lightly used, stored for a few years, first launched in 2005, no signs of wear on hulls or rigging, trapeze still in original bags, sails very fresh, tramp has minor damage will need to be replace in a few seasons, Blue and White hull, white mail, blue jib, no trailer, no beach wheels. $ 3,000
I need the advice of the sailing community, thank you for your expert opinion.
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Re: NEED ADVICE OF CATAMARAN EXPERTS
[Re: SharkByte]
#202308 02/05/1012:27 PM02/05/1012:27 PM
Solcat - lots of bits and pieces to go wrong. probably quite nice to sail IF you get it all sorted
stampede - dead simple and reliable. Huge mainsail without boom so needs bit of muscle in a blow. As fast as anything on a reach [Won a leg of the worrell once]
Paul
teamvmg.weebly.com
Re: NEED ADVICE OF CATAMARAN EXPERTS
[Re: Jalani]
#202336 02/05/1002:36 PM02/05/1002:36 PM
The Stampede or Dart 20 is indeed just a big Dart 18. It's a great family boat since it's boomless and will carry a good bit of weight. The skegs (not boards or asymetrical hulls) work well. While you can sail it single handed in moderate breeze... it's a bit much to move on the beach by yourself.
Boomless works for the family.
Dart's are still made in england and you should be able to get parts, sails, or rudder rebuild kits when needed... Sol cats are long gone and you would have to retrofit parts and replacement sails.
the Nacra 5.7 is a similar design... boomless and has a skeg. Neither boat is a race boat at it's core.