Not had any experience with a cat. Currently club racing an International 420 and having a blast. Friend has a 1980ish Nacra 5.2 that he is wanting to sell. I am not familiar with this boat. (Hobies and Prindles in this area.)
What would be a fair offer for me to make on this boat assuming it is in average condition. Says trailer OK, Jib and Main good condition, tramp may need repair.
Not being familiar with cats, what should I look for when inspecting the boat?
Thanks for your help! Looking forward to going FAST!
Terry
It's an ideal boat for someone switching into cats. Of the "affordable" cats, it's probably one of the best to learn on, and to race. I went from 420's to a 5.2, and I loved it. It was one of the best boats I've owned.
I'll post more later.
Michael Coffman
Taipan #32
Terry,
A Nacra 5.2 (1982) was and is my first sailboat. It is a great boat to get into cat sailing with. I was probably a little over my head with it not having any experience to begin with. The beauty of it is that if you update it with some of the latest rigging it is a very fast and competative boat. It competes very well wth the Hobie 18s and is a super boat for moderate to heave air and chop or very light air and flat water.
As far as value - that's not too easy to determine. Things to look for are soft spots in the top of the deck just forward of the front beam, or soft spots anywhere in the top deck. These soft spots are not the death of the boat and they can be fixed if they get severe. If it is a pre 1984 boat, the sides will be soft because it is NOT of foam core construction (these foam core boats are actually slightly heavier than the pre 1984 boats). Other than that, pretty much standard catamaran things - trampoline condition, sail condition, is the mast straight, dings on the rudders and boards, trailer condition and storage, cattrax, etc.
An early 80's 5.2 will probably value anywhere from $1200 to $3000 depending on condition and rigging.
I love the Internet! Ask a question and you shall receive answers!
Thanks guys. I will look at the boat this weekend and check for soft spots. It is pre 84 to my knowledge.
Is this a boat that can be sailed single handed easily? There are a lot of times I go out and don't have anyone available to crew. I single handle a lot of the time on my Catalina 25, and on my International 420. I assume that the Nacra would not be any more difficult.
Thanks again
Guy on my beach single hands his alla time. He even built a rope control for his dagger boards so he can raise and lower them from across the boat.
Welcome to life in the fast lane.
Ed Norris
That's what I really like about the 5.2 - you can single hand it or sail it with crew. It's a fairly powerfull boat and can be a handfull in a blow if you're by yourself but it's easily doable. I've sailed my single handed with and without the jib in serious air and I much prefer it with the jib because tacking is so much easier. It's just light enough that, with a set of cattrax, you can move it around yourself too.
I've got some photos on my website if you like...not a whole lot of boat information yet but soon!
http:/
Did you check catamaran buyers guide?
http:/
There is all you need to know and check on the boat
WOW, http:/
Again, hope to see the boat this weekend.
BTW a friend of mine, Stu Bernd, and his crew finished 3rd in the 2001 Hobie 18 Nationals. He is entered in the next Worrell 1000. Currently looking for sponsorship. He will pick up his boat within the next week and is PUMPED!
Terry