NEED ADVICE OF CATAMARAN EXPERTS

I have the opportunity to purchase one of two catamarans right now and I am looking for some advice.

1. 1980 Sol Cat 18,
Refinished in 2007 with fiberglass reinforcement to the entire hull, new rudders, new standing and running rigging, all new tackle, new battens in not so old sails.
Orange hulls, plenty in hull storage, rainbow sails. With trailer and beach wheels.
$ 2,500







2. 2002 Dart Stampede 20
Lightly used, stored for a few years, first launched in 2005, no signs of wear on hulls or rigging, trapeze still in original bags, sails very fresh, tramp has minor damage will need to be replace in a few seasons, Blue and White hull, white mail, blue jib, no trailer, no beach wheels.
$ 3,000






I need the advice of the sailing community, thank you for your expert opinion.

I don't know anything a/b the Stampede, but... I'd go with it just on what you'ce said here.... unless you need a trailer.

The Stampede is a boardless 20 footer. A brilliant catamaran to sail - it is basically a larger Dart 18. I'd go with it over the Sol Cat everytime.

Solcat - lots of bits and pieces to go wrong. probably quite nice to sail IF you get it all sorted

stampede - dead simple and reliable. Huge mainsail without boom so needs bit of muscle in a blow. As fast as anything on a reach [Won a leg of the worrell once]

The Stampede or Dart 20 is indeed just a big Dart 18. It's a great family boat since it's boomless and will carry a good bit of weight. The skegs (not boards or asymetrical hulls) work well. While you can sail it single handed in moderate breeze... it's a bit much to move on the beach by yourself.

Boomless works for the family.

Dart's are still made in england and you should be able to get parts, sails, or rudder rebuild kits when needed... Sol cats are long gone and you would have to retrofit parts and replacement sails.

the Nacra 5.7 is a similar design... boomless and has a skeg. Neither boat is a race boat at it's core.

Go with the big Dart!

i sail with a stampede here in dunedin. i was on it 2 weeks ago in 20-40 (yes 40). it handled it very well (not saying it wasnt hairy as hell)...

needs some air to move, and sits a bit lower than boats with boards

reliable fun boat.. does NOT keep up with more modern boats in light air. parts are expensive (what boat parts aren't) but all in all a great boat

Thanks Everyone. I greatly appreciate your help and expert advice. I am going with the Dart, look for me out there!

I agree with your choice - but have a look at my post on your other thread.