back in the market, looking for a used cat recommendation

Hello everyone,

Haven't been on here for a long while. I am seeing if someone can recommend the right catamaran. I owned a Hobie 18 for a few years, then moved to a 35 ft. mono, and now would like to go back to a cat. The main reason for selling the 18 was that I was sailing mostly solo, and raising the mast was a pain. My kids were very little so they didn't enjoy it, and they did not like the mono at all either. I would like to get something that is easy to sail (meaning no daggerboards), fast and fun, light, forgiving, and somewhat inexpensive. I have sailed the Wave, but thought they were kind of slow. I saw a nacra 450 but don't know much about them. I was also looking at the Hobie Getaway. I remember seeing many good comments on the F16's but think they are probably more than I want to pay. Anyway, any comments or suggetions would be appreciated.

The F16's have daggerboards. There might be a F16 Gcat still hanging around down here in Florida somewhere, no boards, someone may chime in here if it's still available. The Nacra 450 or 500 is a good boat if you can find one in good shape and ready to go. No boards.

Boards are not that big a problem and can help you tack on a dime, just remember to pull them up before you run it aground.

Your thinking of an F16, or maybe a Getaway?

How much farther apart could you get?

What's wrong with daggerboards?

Get a H16

I looked at the Getaway and found it heavy and slow, the H16 would give you more performance, but I dont know about solo righting. How about a used N17? Sail solo and fly and kite.

Right. The F16's have boards. Nothing wrong with daggerboards. Just another thing to watch for when beaching and launching, that's all.

I know the F16 and Getaway are polar opposites. I guess I'm still looking for something that will be fun for me, fun for my kids, easy to get in the water, light, and with the potential of real speed, and more technical sailing (as well as very easy and mindless sailing). Something that I can sail solo easily, sail with my wife and load maybe four or five people on it at times. Its hard to know what will be the best. The H16 is probably a good choice, although I don't love the boat.

There is a Nacra 450 for sale nearby, but I don't know much about this boat. Is it like the Wave?

nacra say

Performance Catamarans' Nacra 450, descended from the Nacra 4.5, offers the entry level sailor a fast and easy-to-sail catamaran. The boat's buoyancy surpasses that of other catamarans in its size range and its kick-up rudders make for simple beaching and shallow water sailing. A wide beam and jib blocks mounted on the front crossbar leave the trampoline uncluttered and more comfortable. The boomless main allows for easy control and the jib is quick to tack and maneuver.The Nacra 450 is offered in a variety of bright and brilliant colors.

being fiberglass it isn't as tough as the plastic wave but it should be a little faster and more technical

go and have a look at it, they seem higher recommended

Fred you've been around the block here on catsailor from a few years ago right?Why don't you score an older Mystere 6.0 or Nacra 6.0 they are the same or there about density if I remember correctly as your Hobie 18.Bob G.

I think your criteria go againt the H16 and are noticeably in favor of the Nacra 5.0 (nacra 500) or the Nacra 4.5 (Nacra 450). There is actually not much difference between the nacra 5.0 and nacra 4.5. That is why I never recommend the 4.5 as the 5.0 has basically the same specs but is 2 ft larger which is just better in several respects. However, if you can get a good deal on a 4.5 then yeah it will be a good option. As good as the Nacra 5.0 anyway.

Honestly I don't think the H16 can be placed in the category "more technical sailing", "sail solo easily" or "load up with 4 to 5 people. The rig of the H16 is contra technical and it wants a jib fitted to have the "right balance" and hold the mast up while the nacra's can be sailed with just the mainsail. Additionally, loading up the H16 platform makes it tippy, famous is the H16 back flip where your passenger get a little frightened during a tack and creep up on you moving the back of the H16 and then the very small sterns sink away and you do a backwards titanic. Where you go straight down. The nbacras have much more volume here and won't do that on you. I know as I've done both when I was still a cat sailing instructor.

Beyond that; you are aware that 11 AHPC Viper F16's are for sale at reduced prices after the Alter Cup 2009 in november right ? And chance are the will all be pre-sold before this event takes place. This may be a great opportunity to get an good as new F16 for the best price in the coming years. They certainly won't be dirt cheap but are expected to be well priced nevertheless.

Wouter

Wouter

I got a Getaway a few years ago after selling a H 17. I like
the Getaway and mostly single hand it. I keep it on the beach
wheels, mast up, which helps. I also got the mast stepper III.
it is heavier and slower but still fun. I wanted something without boards
Nacra 500 is also boardless and looks very nice. I've seen those going
for a little over $2000. take a look and go for a sail..doug

Few Nacra's here to choose from. First one I would not consider. It is a basket case
http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/showcat.php/cat/1/page/1
One in Fla. There is a 450 here. Hope this helps.

Doug

Thanks everyone for your input. It helped me decide on the Nacra 450 we saw today. Can't wait to get it in the water! Huge thanks to everyone. Woo hoo!!

Fred

I am in the same boat you are, so to speak. I have a 5.8 I use for family sailing but I also have a H14 for solo sailing because I can put the mast up solo at a boat ramp and and right the boat easily. I keep getting mixed answers about solo righting the Getaway so I am leaning toward the Wave to replace my H14. It is difficult to find people who have sailed the H14 and Wave to get a real comparison. The Wave seems light enough to launch solo and right easily but might be a slug to sail. I am hoping to do a test sail soon.