Greetings all! I'm a Newbie to this board and also to cat sailing. I'd appreciate your recommendations and advice and what would be an appropriate first-time purchase.

Here's some background: sailing on Lake Ontario; this will be for recreational use - fun and safety first! It would be fo myself (nearing middle age) and my 15 year-old son. We're both big fellows - I'm 210 and he's about 175 lbs. I consider myself an intermediate sailor (a variety of dighies, a couple of seasons crewing on keel boats racing and some baord sailing, but no cat experience). My son is a 'white sail' beginner but is gutsy, enthusiastic and doesn't mind getting wet.

I'd prefer to keep the budget under control by going with something used. Around here, Hobie cats seem to be pretty much it though I know of a Prindle 16. Please share your thoughts and recommendations!

Guys:

Help here? How about an I-20. It could handle the weight OK. Is it to much boat for a newbie?

Doug

You can not go wrong with a Hobie 18. My son and I sailed/raced one from 1979 to 1986. Great boat, very stable, and the used market in your area should be good. Back then, we had the total combined weight about the same as you and your son. Now, we both have H-17's, and weigh a little more.
Caleb

Caleb:

Hobie 17's are fun boats !!!!! This is what a made mime inot. Was a 190 sq ft reacher rolled up. Both sails are Pentex by Sabre. Bob Curry cut them for me. Got to meet him at Great Bay Race in Fort Walton.

Doug

Hobie 17 or Inter 20 are not appropriate boats.

If you are looking for a used boat then a Hobie 18 would be a good choice, or a prindle 18 or 18-2, or a nacra 5.5sl, or a mystere 5.5.

In the new boat categort, the f18s (tiger etc) are not a good choice for a beginner. Rather I would suggest a Nacra 570 or 580.

I agree completly. Perfect.

Read this webpage before you buy a used boat to find out what to look for when evaluating the boat.

http://www.sailingproshop.com/catamaran.asp

The pricing suggestions are a little outdated.

Guys - thanks for the suggestions! Matt, that article was really good.

I'm pretty new to cat sailing and this board too...

I've had excellent luck with the 1982 Nacra 5.0 I bought used this spring ..... Yes, cats are different to sail than the monohulls I've been used to, but the Nacra has been very easy to learn - fun from the first time out, and no disasters despite my ineptitude.

As for capacity, I (140 lbs) have taken two 180 lb friends out and we've got plenty of room, and still go as fast as we want. The boat is very forgiving about where weight is placed. No instability or even noticeable slowdown as the heavier ones move slowly into their optimal place.

With your weight, you may want to consider a H20. There should be several newer ones on the market at a good price, since the racing class has been dwindling due to the emergence of the F18 class. I sold my 2000 model H20 last year well below what I would have liked to gotten. The H20 is fast fun boat that is forgiven with the added weight. You can take plenty of people on it to. Just be sure to inspect a used H20 for cracks at the lip of the hull and under the crossbars. The manufacture went through a period where they were not putting enough fiberglass in some major stress points... If you want a more durable boat, but not as fast, go with a TheMightyHobie18. They are tanks. Nacra 5.8 or 6.0's are also good choices.

What about a Dart 18? WOuld this be appropriate for a beginner or is it too 'racing' oriented?

A Dart 18 would be a fantastic boat for a beginner.. They also can be single or double handed, and also they are very light, I think around 280lbs..so easy to rig by yourself.

my first boat was a hobie 18 great all around. i put on a hobie bob from a h21 sc. wish i still had it.

can't go wrong with the Prindle 16 - great single hand boat for your size and a great first boat to start, learn and grow on

It's settled then. Bought a Dart 18 today! Arriving on Friday. Watch Out! :-)