I'm new to cats, and sailing in general. I've wanted a catamaran ever since I was a kid.
I'm going to check out a Nacra 5.2 in a couple days. The guy selling it really seems like a
straight-up seller, otherwise I wouldn't be planning to check out the boat. The cost of
the boat is $1000, which seems really good based on what I know so far.
- What questions other than those below should I ask?
- Does this price seem as good as I think it is?
- What things should I look for when I go see the boat?
- Should I plan for extra expense in fixing hull leaks?
Below are are the questions and answers I've gotten about the boat so far.
> 1) Sails - How old?
I don't know. They look too nice for original sails, but that might
just be good care. Stitching looks solid, the batten pockets are not
much worn. They're in pretty nice shape, overall. It's a main/jib rig. Trampoline is new.
> 2) Hull condition - Any leaks?
Slow leaks in both hulls, a little worse on one than the other. I am
pretty sure it's not the hull itself, but probably deck hardware.
After a couple-three hours of hard sailing, you get a gallon or two in.
> 3) Was your use primarily salt or freshwater?
All fresh. I think the last owners' use was too.
But it did some beach time, clearly, since the bows both have a
little wear.
> 4) Is the trailer in proper working order?
Yup. I gave it a new harness when I got it. Bearings run cool; I
haven't been inside.
> 5) Do the boat or trailer need to be registered? Is the
> registration paid?
I just renewed the trailer (good for 10 years), but haven't got the
sticker yet. I think the boat is current too, but I would have to
look to be sure. If it isn't, it's not way out and I'll take the cost
of any penalties off he price.
> 6) Any missing or broken equipment? Blocks, lines, etc.
Nope. I replaced the most needed running rigging; one could replace
more but nothing is desperately weak or broken. There's a minor
delamination at the end of one daggerboard that I would deal with
before sailing her, just to keep it from spreading. I let it settle
into the mud last winter; it hasn't been sailed since. Probably a
matter of a little epoxy, a clamp, and some paint.
> 7) Is there anything else that the boat needs in order to sail?
Nope. She's fully sail-ready. We have her partially set up for
trapeze, but I am thinking you won't be out on the trap for a few
weeks at least. We have trapeze harnesses (
butt-bucket
variety),
which we could sell to you as well. The trap lines are rigged, but
the bungees that hold them aren't yet . She's only set up for single
trapeze.
Slow leaks in both hulls, a little worse on one than the other. I am
pretty sure it's not the hull itself, but probably deck hardware.
After a couple-three hours of hard sailing, you get a gallon or two in.
That sounds like a pretty good leak. Sounds like you need a bottom job.
Also check the daggerboard wells for any crackes or leaks. The wells like to crack kinda of in the center of the well horizantaly.
airborne
How much should I expect to spend to get the bottom redone?
I don't really know. I only know that I spent 500.00 to get mine redone. I don't know if that is a good price or not.
airborne
BTW Airborne, I was admiring your boat yesterday when I was reading up on every Nacra post I could. The hulls on yours look pristine. The work you had done, was it extensive to the entire hull? Or was it localized? Was that cost for sealing the bottoms and a full repaint?
I'd love to have a boat that looks as nice as yours.
Slow leaks in both hulls, a little worse on one than the other. I am
pretty sure it's not the hull itself, but probably deck hardware.
After a couple-three hours of hard sailing, you get a gallon or two in.
2-3 gallons sounds like alot. Before I'd jump to conclusions that you need a resurfaced bottom ... and if you're serious in purchasing the boat ... you can check to see where the leak(s) are coming from by doing an
air test
.
This is performed by removing one of the port hole covers. Next take a blower--something like a leaf blower or wet/dry vaccuum that has a port for blowing out. Insert this into the open port hole and seal (cardboard is good then taped). Next take a spray bottle that has a mixture of water and dish soap. Spray on hulls and look for bubbles. voi la . The first leak...continue on rest of Hull 1. Repeat for hull 2.
>There's a minor
delamination at the end of one daggerboard that I would deal with
before sailing her, just to keep it from spreading.
I wouldn't worry too much about this ... yes it'll need repair but you'll be doing alot of this type of (minor) repair to your foils (daggerboards and rudders).
Thanks for the compliment. It was quite extensive, along with the bottom job there was a bulkhead that was loose. Then the gel coat was removed and all new gel coat was sprayed on to the hulls.
Also what tback said is good advice.
airborne
That's great advice tback, thanks! Wouldn't have thought of that.
Whoa, don't go sealing around that air blower with anything--you'll very likely damage the hull with too much outward pressure!! You just need to get the inside of the hulls pressurized a little, and that can be done by holding the blower (I've used a reversed vacuum cleaner) and inch or two from an opening in the hull. DON'T SEAL OR TAPE AROUND THE HOSE!
Regarding the leaks, you don't necessarily need a bottom job. Seams, fittings, gaskets around portals and drain plugs--these can let a tremendous amount of water in as well. My current boat had major leaks when I bought it, but after resealing and replacing gaskets, etc., I can sail all day and get no more than 1/2 cup in either hull.
Hey, the price of the boat seems great--probably a very good deal. Have fun!
Kevin