Hey guys. I just bought a Prindle 16 in nice condition for $400. Hopefully, this was a good deal. I think it was.
The bad thing is I'm 17 and don't know anything about sailing catamarans...or sailing in general. I used to sail dinghies at summer camp from age 10-13....unfortunately, I've forgotten the majority of what I had learned...and I'm sure catamarans are a different sort of beast.
So, basically, I want to learn as much as I can about how to operate things. I read the entire owners manual for the Prindle 16 and still have NO IDEA WHERE TO BEGIN. I don't know how to set it up...how/where to attach the ropes...what to do...etc. Maybe the manual should have been enough...but it confused me. I've looked for books...but catamaran literature seems to be pretty lacking...I looked on Amazon and the few books that were available had mediocre reviews. Any recommendations?
Perhaps, I should learn from somebody that knows about these boats...is anybody here from Mississippi/Arkansas/Tennessee/Louisiana/Texas? I'd be willing to travel if you could mentor me for an hour or so...just teaching me the basics...I'd also be willing to pay you for the effort. I live in Greenville, Mississippi. There doesn't seem to be a lot of cat sailors around here...or wind...
Anyways, I'm rambling on...just any help you could provide to a beginner would be helpful...an extreme beginner. I've looked through a lot of other posts on this board and am trying to learn as much as I can.
Thanks in advance,
Caleb
Pick up "Catamaran Sailing From Start To Finish" by Phil Berman. It's by far the best book I've found for beginning catamaran sailors.
Otherwise, if we can find a time that suits the both of us (I work 5-9pm weekdays), I can direct you to my internet-based chatroom and you can ask me any questions you like.
By the way- you got a great deal on a good boat. I started sailing at 15 on a H16, so don'y let anyone tell you 16' is too much boat for a beginner to single-hand.
Oh my gosh! Son...you're in the middle of catsailing nowhere! I know 'cause I've lived there and still visit quite often. I'm now in Jackson where we have a beachcat (primarily) sailing club on Ross Barnett Reservoir. Our members include a few P-16 sailors, so maybe we can help you out. Shoot me a line off-list at jv1234_99@yahoo.com.
Jerome
Thanks guys,
I bought Catamaran Sailing From Start To Finish on www.half.com yesterday for $2 plus shipping. Can't wait to read it.
I'm definitely alone out here...as far as catamarans go...I think. I'll send you an e-mail.
Caleb