Hi!

I've been sailing for over a year, mostly on the Hobie 16 and monohulls of varying sizes (18, 22, 25, 27, 32'), and I've reached the point where I'd like to buy a catamaran. But first I need some advice on what to look for. I'm a bit confused on the differences between the Hobie 16 and F18 cats. What are some models that would be manageable to single hand? I'd sail in both bays and on the ocean here in S. CA.

I've been doing a lot of reading, but hopefully a post of my own will clear up some features I should look into or avoid altogether.

Thanks,

Andre

i have a ncara 5.2 for sale, its old, and has lotsa wear, but has some life left, and i think I'm selling it for relatively cheap also. there are some pics on my website, email me if your not looking for a new boat.

Boats for Sale

I'm looking for a new or relatively mint condition boat. I don't want to spend time & money fixing something, as I know little about maintenance at this point.

Do you plan on racing? would love to (but it would be rare)
What other cats are sailed locally? Hobies
What is your budget? up to low $1x,xxx.

Where in the world are you, Andre?

San Diego, CA, USA

Well, then, there should be a lot of boats available in that area, since you are near the 'cradle of civilization' as far as beach cats.

Get an F16.
http://www.formula16.org/

It took me 27 years on various catamarans to figure out that the right single-handed cat is the A-Class. Performance is just up the I-5 from you and they sell a terrific A2! It just doesn't get any better than that!

I see a lot of used cats for sale dating back from the 70's and 80's online. A couple stores I visited didn't have any in stock, so I have to rely more on the web for feedback.

In regards to sailing, I only see a handful actually on the water. They are mostly families with a bunch of kids going 1 knot; so it's hard to tell if that's a good setup or not, since I'll be alone most of the time.

Hopefully I'll find some locals willing to share some advice.

I'll have to visit them. Thank you!

Yeah I have heard nothing but good things about de3aling with performance cat, I also hear if you ask REALLY nice they might let you walk through their factory. but then again maybe you ahve to know somebody, oh well, could never hurt to ask.

Get as many test sails on each boat as you can and try them all before you buy.

If you are interested in F16's then contact Eric Poulsen at ejpoulsen(At)yahoo.com (replace the (at) with the @ character).

Eric is heading the F16 group overthere and the F16's sailors overthere hook up from time to time and are always willing to give a test ride to an interested party.

Wouter