Beginner boat selection ?

I am just getting into sailing ans looking for a two person boat.

I have found several Prindle 16's and 18-2 for sale as well as a few Hobie 14's in my area.


I am about 210lbs and looking to do this with my GF 115lbs.

The only boats I have sailed are the smaller cats with only one sail. Pretty simple stuff but never used a harness just sat on top.

The P16 looks has a mainsail and jib so that would be a new experience.

What are your thoughts on the P16 for a 2 person crew and a beginners // starter boat ?

pretty much anything under 20 feet should work fine.

Are you familiar with general sailing (like how to steer, turn, etc) or is this your first foray into the sailing genre?

What type of sailing do you envision? Beach, lake, pool?
Would you like sail/camping?
Are there other sailors in your area?
Do you have any sail clubs nearby?
Does the thought of flipping the boat scare you?

Go for an 18 footer. Anything less will struggle and be very tricky to sail when you are 2-up.

The 18-2 is a good bet

I'm assuming you're in the US.

Just get a Hobie 16. Easy to find a decent inexpensive boat, you'll probably be able to sell it for what you paid for it also easily, (provided you don't destroy it), and parts are readily available. If you want to race there's a relatively huge following with the H16 as well.

On the flip side, I'd rather have cancer than a H16 again, but its a good tough boat to learn on. Quirky, but good.

the 18-2 is a great boat but has more controls and a bit more to learn / master.

as Karl suggested (somewhat) the 16's are easier to sail and right.

I would probably suggest the prindle 16 is one of the best starter and all around cats (good in flat water and waves, easy to right and sail).

The only thing hobie's have that prindle doesn't is used parts all over the place since there were so many H16's built. You can still get prindle parts pretty easy too i hear.

I'd second the Hobie 16 nomination. Tough boat, lots of them everywhere, easy to repair and relatively cheap to maintain. I'd argue your best off finding one above $3K that has been nicely looked after.

The Prindle 16 is a fun boat and easier to sail than the H16, more reserve buoyancy forward, but all 3 on my beach have suffered from various major structural failures. These are older boats but 2 out of the 3 were in great condition before the hulls started cracking (repairable). The real fault is the rudder system basically sucks, as the locking pin works loose from the blades over time. Lots of used H16 rudder parts, not so much Prindle.

Another boat worth evaluating is the Hobie 18. Its fast, fun, tough (except for 1984-1986 boats) and easier to sail than any of the 16' boats. I suspect the Prindle 18-2 is a touch faster than the Hobie 18 but also easy to handle.

To respond to a couple questions: US Lake Sailing, first foray into the sailing genre.

Prindle 18 is cheap and simple, and buoyant enough for the two of you. The rudder system can be a pain (and arguably a poor design) but if you understand how to unload the springs while you use it, the blades go up and down quite easily. The rest of the boat is as simple as it gets.

325lb is a great weight -- any 16+ foot boat should work fine to start. IMO find whatever is the best quality of the boats available to you, and get it. You can always part with it after a year or two once you know what you're looking for in a cat.

What area of the US? The reason I ask is, maybe you can get out to a regatta and see many different types of cats, talk to some cat sailors with experience, and see what you like, maybe even get a quick ride on someone's cat and get out on the wire, so you can learn what that's all about.

Also, check out all the cat sailing videos on You Tube, you can learn a lot by watching those:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoajkqSDKAs&feature=related

+1 on Tim's suggestion... Find out who's sailing and go out with them a few times. You'll learn a whole lot more than trying it all yourself...

Are people generally receptive to noobies wanting to learn ?
I am in Georgia by Lake Lanier. I know there are several clubs in this area I will touch base with them see if anyone is willing to let me tag a long. I would love to be on for a race.

I can't imagine they wouldn't welcome the opportunity to help you out. Whether racing, two-boat testing, or just fun sailing, there's plenty to learn and I'm sure there are a few folk who would be happy to have crew.

Pretty insensitive (not the first word to come to mind) comment, on more then one front.

I've lost alot of relatives and good friends to cancer and I have a Hobie 16. It didn't offend me in the least.

If you want to come to Greenville/ lake hartwell I could take you out for a day.

Lost both my parents to cancer.
I'll likely die of cancer.
I've owned a couple of H16's

It'll be alright.