On the old forum the current discussions are revolving around trying to set up a formula class system again. While I have my own views on this, the root of the problem in trying to begin a formula class is that no matter what is used for the formula you will have to detract from the existing competiion base, one desighn and portsmouth, to populate the new class. (robbing Peter to pay Paul) What is needed is a development program that gets the new people involved, and its graduates populate the new formula classes.
<br>
<br>This brings us back to the recent extensive dialog about a intoductory boat. I have a composite manufacturing company that has been doing some extensive R&D on some new materials and processes that would fit very well with the manufacture of cat hulls. While there is no way to ever make a boat that could be all things to all people (Sorry Ed) it is possible to make an introductory boat for 3-4K that is better than what is currently out there. The great exchange rate fluctuations that make foreign boats occasionaly good deals in the US not withstanding.
<br>
<br>The issue then comes to how does that boat get to the public. The current manufactuers have shown no interest, and they are currently not doing a very good job at growing the market anyway. Marketing and sales is not something that I am interested in pusuing, and the volume does not fit with our buisness, but I am an avid cat sailor and am personally interested in any suggestions anyone may have on how we can grow our sport.
<br>
<br>
<br>Matt<br><br>

Hey Matt,
<br>
<br>This sounds exciting. Hope it goes somewhere. I never asked for a boat that's all things to all people. Hell, when I started that thread, I didn't know the Wave was so cheap; and cuoldn't figure out why not. Lesson learned. Now I'm working on PR.
<br>
<br>Regards,
<br>
<br>Ed<br><br>(To Email me, take the Ihatespam. out of the domain in my displayed email.

When I was 17 it was a very good year. I was taken for a ride on a little monohull. I didn't even know what the tiller did. When I was handed the sheet I believed I was steering with that. I nearly collided with another boat. Fifteen years later those memories rose to the surface of my mind and I couldn't shake them. I bought a used h14 and had a blast from then on. Nine years later I stepped up to a H16 after being passed by them so often. The point of this story is that I believe many people would become sailors if they were introduced as I was. The Snark was a great idea, but the materials were too weak. A cheap well advertised monohull might get more people into sailing. Later, they might want a multihull. If not, who cares. At least they are sailing.
<br>Is it possible to make a monohull for less than $1500?
<br>Greg
<br>H14,H16<br><br>

a 16' albacore sells for $10 000 canadian. (new)<br><br>

Matt,
<br>I know a sailmaker and boat builder that were looking at getting more people into the sport. They got together and designed a small high performance cat for youngsters or people that were not heavy enough for the big boats.
<br>They sell the boat for about the same as a Wave sells for.
<br>
<br>
<br>I borrowed one for a weekend for my kids to sail and they had a ball. I put some pics on my web site
<br>www.geocities.com/phillbrander under "Kit Boats for Kids"
<br>as it can be bought as a kit as well as a finished product.
<br>
<br>Regards,
<br>Phill
<br>
<br><br><br>

<br>
<br>Phil - The Glider looks like a neat boat. Are they sold in kits? What type of costs/hours are involved?
<br>Alan Thompson
<br>I20 - San Diego
<br>
<br>P.S. Here's the direct link: http://www.geocities.com/phillbrander/gliderwp/gliderwp.html<br><br>

Alan,
<br>I'm told the complete kit has everything and you are looking at about 20 hours to put them together.
<br>
<br>When I last priced one. The basic Glider was about the price of the basic Wave.
<br>
<br>Don't know the current price but if you want exact figures I can probably make some enquiries or find a contact for you.
<br>
<br>Regards,
<br>Phill<br><br>

I like to thought that has gone into it and it is very acceptably prices (Same as laser dinghy) for the performance it promises to give.
<br>
<br>Wouter<br><br>

Asking questions in the manner I did makes you realy see what we are up against. There are many good boats already out there for not a lot of money. What we are missing is the sailors to use them.
<br>
<br>Theres new and old boats all over. Although it gets continually bashed on these forums, you can buy a used Hobie 16 almost anywhere (in the US anyway) in good shape for 500-1000. No fuel and minimal upkeep makes it a pretty good investment, because if you find you like sailing, you can get rid of it for what you paid, and move up to a new or different boat.
<br>
<br>I am currently building a personal project cat for myself and a couple of friends. I would love to take some of the technology we are working with and use it to build sail boats intro of otherwise, because it is currently going to be used on power boats.
<br>
<br>My original post was not, however about making boats its was a plea to the world on how we can grow sailing to the point where the world needs new onto boats.
<br>
<br>Matt ????<br><br>