Hi! Can anyone give me some info on the NACRA 5.2?
Is it a good boat? Fast? I there a lot of N 5.2 owners out there?
Please any info is welcome.

The 5.2 is a great boat! It started the performance oriented catamaran revolution in the 70s. Tons of them are still around hidden in back yards. I started sailing on one and a friend of mine just bought one and brought it home. We went sailing on it a couple of weeks ago. What do you want to know about it?

I bought a 1984 Nacra 5.2 last summer. I had never sailed a cat before but had wanted one since I was kid. I absolutely love it! I don't think I could ever go back to monohulls again.

My question is this - What should I be replacing on this 20 year old boat? Before I bought it, it sat uncovered in a backyard, unused for 10 years.

I had all of the running rigging replaced and the sails are in excellent condition. The stiching on the tramp is deteriorating. I've been sewing up the seams myself as the tramp material seems ok. The shop that replaced the rigging told me all the stainless steel cable and fittings were fine, the boat has only been sailed in fresh water. I was wondering about the traveler car, mainsheet system, etc.

Also, what upgrades are a must. I would love to add a spinnaker - what is involved and what is the cost? Should I just save my money and buy a newer boat? Any comments would be appreciated.

Howard

IMHO If you want a spinnaker, then yes. I'm a firm believer in the notion that if you want a spinnaker boat, get one that was designed to carry a spinnaker.

Hi Howard - am NACRA 5.2 owner and we share a first name - pretty rare bread I imagine. Mine is # 1872 and is equally tired in some departments as yours sounds. I do have a spinnaler though it's not the smoothest design. I've sailed the boat three times so far but will get more time in the summer, (two year old permitting) so I am sure a few more pieces might fall off but it has been solid so far. Only real problem is the leaking mast which makes it very hard to right if turtled..

I am based in South London and sail on a 700 acre lake to the West of the city. It is set up 100' in the air so clean winds (and a swell).

Best of luck

Howard

I sail my 5.2 solo with an I-17 spinnaker setup and it ROCKS! I highly recommend this option if you are set on getting a spin!