Advice on first cat purchase

Hi,

I'd appreciate some advice on my first beach cat purchase. I'm a pretty experienced sailor on bigger boats: I owned a 25' trimarran, sailed 40'monohulls. Since I've had kids, I've haven't sailed much and been surfing. Now my son is five and I just took him out on a Hobbie Cat in Turks and Caicos. He loved it so I'm ready to get a beach cat for us.

We'll sail on Long Island tide bays and the ocean.

Here's my criteria:
1. Relatively stable. I've read that Nacra 5.8s can capsize without sufficient weight.
2. Relatively fun. Sometimes I'll leave my son on the beach and go fast.
3. Used. I only have so much family budget.

I'd like to avoid the Hobbies because the low bow buoyancy. I think a Nacra 5.0 would be the best choice but can't find a used one.
- There's a Mystere 6.0 for sale. Would that be good for my criteria?
- Would a Nacra 6.0 be good for my criteria?

Thanks for the advice,

Jeff

Hi Jeff -

Personal opinion, with just you and a 5yo, either of the 6.0s might be a bit much to handle. They're heavy and even more prone to flipping when solo than the 5.8 that you mention. I wouldn't write off the Hobie boats too quick - there will be lots in your area, many good used boats, and people who can help you along as you and your son grow into a boat. The Nacra 5.0 is certainly a fine boat if you can find one, but it can be flipped, too - I'd recommend you stay in the 17-foot and smaller range for your search. A Hobie 17 or a Nacra 5.5 is about as big a boat As I'd feel comfortable taking my swim-ready pre-schooler on in anything more than six or eight knots.

Don't limit your search to the glass boats, either - get your feet wet with a Wave. Super simple to rig and will sail quite well for you.

Happy shopping - let us know what you wind up getting and post some pics of your youth sailor! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

5y.o. is too young for open water. If things turn ugly you'll have plenty to do just taking care of yourself and the boat.

Check out the Nacra 500. You can right it by yourself and its around 300lbs, so relatively light compared to the 20' boats. Hobie 17 might be a good choice as well.

Hi Jeff,

Here's my response to your criteria:

1) At your total crew weight, I would agree with what others have said and encourage you to look toward the 16' end--maybe even smaller. A larger boat can be a handful in even moderate winds w/ someone so small.

2)Most cats will easily meet your "relatively fun" requirement. Aside from a few dogs (anyone remember the Ventura Cat?), many older boats are still a blast solo. My '85 Trac 14 gives a pretty thrilling ride, especially with the spinnaker up.

3) Again, many older cats are easily obtained at relatively low $$. Just be diligent and patient in your search. If possible, take someone along who has experience when looking at a possibility.

Have fun and get out there on whatever boat you can. The great thing about buying a used sailboat is that, if in decent shape, you can always resell it and move to a different boat when the time is right. In other words, don't worry about finding the perfect boat for the next decade. And above all, stay safe out there on the water!

Kevin

First off, all beach cats can capsize - there's no way around that.

Most of the 20 foot (6.0 meter) boats out there would not be suitable as a first cat, especially for someone planning to take a small child out. The NACRA 6.0, Mystere 6.0, Hobie 20 etc are all powerful race boats. Granted, it sounds like you're a fairly experienced sailor, but beach cats are different from monos and there will be a learning curve. It's probably best to look for a boat that will essentially be suitble for you to single hand. At 5 years old, your son isn't likely to provide much ballast or crew support.

A Hobie 17 Sport would probably be perfect. A Hobie 16 or 18 might also fit the bill (the 18 has plenty of flotation in the bows). I don't have enough familiarity with the other brands, but basically look for something that you can easily single hand.

sm

Jeff, are you going to leave it set up on a beach or have to trailer it? The reason I ask, stepping the mast is a job and not one a 5yr. old can help with. I started in mono's too and then switched to cats, my first was a Hobie 18 with a rolling jib and I took my then 6 yr. old son out with me all the time. The rolling jib came in quite handy when it got too windy for both sails. The only draw back to a Hobie 18 is you will have some trouble righting it if you are alone on it.

I later moved to a Nacra 5.5 which is also a great boat, lighter, faster than the Hobie 18 but the mast stepping is just as hard and really requires two of you (will your wife be with you to help?). The Nacra 5.5 is harder to find and will probably cost you more as well. The Hobie 17 is nice too but also hard to find a good one, cheap. There is a classified link over there on the left.

The Hobie 16 has been the boat of choice for beginners for about 40+ years and is a great place to start, just be aware of the pitch pole potential when you are on a hot reach. Then once you figure out cat sailing, you can trade up to something bigger and faster, and your son will be bigger and more able to help as well.

And be sure you get Rick White's "Catamaran Racing for the 90's" even if you don't plan to race, there is LOTS of good stuff in there and is considered essential reading for any beach cat sailor. Click on the store link at the top of this page to order it.

Nice Sport in Michigan. H-17 Sport is a nice boat. Easy to sail with you and small child, and can handle 3 adults and child (I know I have done it).

http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/883/cat/1


Good Luck,

Doug