Posted By: Danno
First Cat Choice - 07/24/04 02:09 AM
Hello!
I'm thinking about getting my first cat (don't tell my wife!) and have done some research on this good forum. My experience in sailing so far is with a Force 5 dinghy (like a Laser). Right now I'm comfortable up to about 15 knots. Under 25 hours total sailing exp.
Here are my concerns:
Getting the Right Cat.... I probably will have under 3k to spend. I'll be solo 90% and I weigh 180. Will be sailing on a Lake Whatcom to start with, then the San Juan Islands which are connected to the Pacific as I live in Bellingham, WA. Water temp is 55 degrees at it's hottest, 45 in winter. Already got a 6.5mm wetsuit.
Solo Mast Stepping.... Have read people do it all the time, but it's difficult to visualize until I see a boat.
Capsize Recovery.... I've read about different solo systems. Seems this can be done without too much of a problem. What's the 'Hawaiian system'? Have read about sealed masts, mast floats, etc.
Heavy Weather.... Haven't seen much about reefing the main. Heard about a furling jib. Understand that would be nice. Can any cat be retrofitted with this? A big fear would be having to sail home in 30+ knots with huge sails.
Wings.... This seems like a real nice idea. Can any cat have them? How about making or having them made? Saw a price of over $800 for some. Seems steep. What are the pros and cons of these guys.
Learning to Sail.... How different is sailing a cat compared to a dinghy? Any places from Seattl north to learn or demo? Dealers?
From what I've read, a Nacra 5.5 or smaller would work, or a Prindle 16 or smaller. And of course a Hobie 16 or smaller. Seems the Hobie is the least favored but cheapest and most plentiful.
In the meantime, I'll keep reading and following eBay.
Cheers,
Danno
I'm thinking about getting my first cat (don't tell my wife!) and have done some research on this good forum. My experience in sailing so far is with a Force 5 dinghy (like a Laser). Right now I'm comfortable up to about 15 knots. Under 25 hours total sailing exp.
Here are my concerns:
Getting the Right Cat.... I probably will have under 3k to spend. I'll be solo 90% and I weigh 180. Will be sailing on a Lake Whatcom to start with, then the San Juan Islands which are connected to the Pacific as I live in Bellingham, WA. Water temp is 55 degrees at it's hottest, 45 in winter. Already got a 6.5mm wetsuit.
Solo Mast Stepping.... Have read people do it all the time, but it's difficult to visualize until I see a boat.
Capsize Recovery.... I've read about different solo systems. Seems this can be done without too much of a problem. What's the 'Hawaiian system'? Have read about sealed masts, mast floats, etc.
Heavy Weather.... Haven't seen much about reefing the main. Heard about a furling jib. Understand that would be nice. Can any cat be retrofitted with this? A big fear would be having to sail home in 30+ knots with huge sails.
Wings.... This seems like a real nice idea. Can any cat have them? How about making or having them made? Saw a price of over $800 for some. Seems steep. What are the pros and cons of these guys.
Learning to Sail.... How different is sailing a cat compared to a dinghy? Any places from Seattl north to learn or demo? Dealers?
From what I've read, a Nacra 5.5 or smaller would work, or a Prindle 16 or smaller. And of course a Hobie 16 or smaller. Seems the Hobie is the least favored but cheapest and most plentiful.
In the meantime, I'll keep reading and following eBay.
Cheers,
Danno