Do you have any local cat racing fleets? There may be some guys here on this web board in your area who can show you the ropes, so to speak, and get you pointed in the right direction finding a good used boat, vs. spending a ton on a new one.

In the beginning, I wanted a used cat for two reasons;

1. I didn't know if I was going to like sailing cats and

2. I figured I would probably crash it a lot until I learned how to sail it, so I'd rather break a cheap used boat than a brand new, expensive boat!

I came here to ask these experts how to sail cats, and you will want to get ahold of Rick White's book, also available here, "Catamaran Racing for the 90's" But nothing beats going to a regatta and walking around, looking at the different boats and set ups, so if you can get to a local event, do it! You'll meet lost of guys willing to help get you started, even if you have no desire to race, they can give you great info on rigging and sailing cats.

That's quite a lot for the trailer. Should be able to do much better than $2,500 unless you're talking about one that is pimped out with some nice boxes which are not all that necessary for a getaway IMO.

I think a new trailex is about $1,700.

hmmm...same place i was pricing the getaway is a dealer for those trailers also...

How far are you from Pensacola, FL?

I just looked at the Key Sailing website and guess what? They are advertising a new Getaway, with a galvanized trailer, for $9495.

It also says 'several used also available' so you might find a good, cheaper one there.

Here's their site, scroll down to see the Getaway add:

http://www.keysailing.com/sales.html

ALSO...they rent cats, so you can try one out before you buy, and Kirk, the owner, is a great source of info, he's been racing (and winning) cats for a long time.

im quite a ways...( Dallas) but not opposed to a road trip thanks so much.

If you're interested in buying a new boat, get a price from sun jammers in Panama City Florida as well. They can send it wherever you want it.

just start cruising up and down the streets... You're bound to find an old cat parked in someone's yard... Offer them a cheap deal to get it off the lawn.

Seems to work for a lot of us.

There appears to be a P-19mx or some variant in someone's yard up near Forrest. On a trailer, too...

I presume the same concept applies in Texas?

Hell, just show up at a regatta or two. Someone is bound to offer you a ride or two on their boats (to get a feel for them) and I'd suspect a few of them may be willing to sell a boat or two (some of us have more than one beachcat...)

Find the local cat fleet(Maybe Texas City Dike) and go crew with some guys on various boats and see what you like. Dont make a hasty decision, buy this winter when you can get a better deal, dont wait until Spring when the prices go back up.
You can get a good starter boat for $1000-$2000, so look around. When you find something, run it by here again, lots of people here who may know the boat or who can give you great advice.

Go to Texas City Dike Yacht Clubs website, (catamaran site)

Tell them Todd went sent you, they'll say, who?

Really, try that site for a Tx boat, etc.

My avatar was in Galveston Bay