I need some quick education on what to purchase for my first cat. I have been sailing monohulls and sailboards for over 30 years, but want to make the switch to a cat -- can I please hear the pro's and con's between the Hobie 16,17, and 18? I have sailed the 16 and 18 in the past, and found both fun, but I was with experienced people. The 18 was recommended to me, however, I want to get started right and will often be solo, or with my unexperienced wife. I would rather keep my purchase cost at $4K or under with something used, than go to the GetAway so many have recommended on other threads. It would be great to learn the trapeze soon too.
Also in case anyone has one of these in good shape, I will be driving from Colorado to Michigan in early June and would like to pick up a good deal.
chip@wispertel.net
I would recomend against the H16. They don't have much bouyancy in the hulls, the pedestal trampoline design introduces tons of hull-walking. It's what I bought for my first boat and I grew out of it in about 6 months and moved up to an 18' boat.
I'd recomend a Prindle 16, Trac 16, G-Cat 5.0, or Hobie 17. Something boardless and sturdy that can take some abuse. All of the systems on these boats are fairly simple and easy to use and understand. The G-Cat is my favorite boat for it's dual trampolines and high-volume hulls.
chip@wispertel.net
Keep an eye on the classifieds at the following two places:
http:/
http://www.thebeachcats.com
Also check the classifieds for area regattas.
Hope this helps!
Jonathan
Kudos on the catsailor classifieds - watch ebay closely too.
Also, the local regattas have classified ads and often sell catamarans cheap. My local paper also carries sailboats regularly in the classifieds section, including catamarans.
Jonathan
Don't forget your local Cat Dealer. They usually have a good line on used boats in addition to new boats. There are a lot of H-18's in Colorado. H-18 is a great all around boat, and there should be several available at a good price.
Caleb Tarleton
Thank you for the information on the different choices, could you let me know what is the brand name of the GCat, I do not think I have seen these on the used market.
G-Cat is the brand name. You may not see them in ads, because they are not as common as other brands in USA. But they are good, tough boats, loved by their owners. Models include G-Cat 5.0, G-Cat 5.7, and I think also a 20-footer or even 21-footer.
The G stands for Geissler, the original designer/builder.
I guess that since you mentioned that you will mostly be solo, you will have to consider how you will right an 18' catamaran. A 16' would be possible with a righting bag or righting pole, but an 18' would require a Solo~Right device.
Also, if you want to race, check what boat is popular near you.
Jack
I am not sure where you are located, but if you are interested, I can point you in the direction of a 1987 Nacra 5.7. Bordless design, pretty fast and has losts of room. $2400 I think is the price on it.
I'd recomend a Prindle 16, Trac 16, G-Cat 5.0, or Hobie 17. Something boardless and sturdy that can take some abuse. All of the systems on these boats are fairly simple and easy to use and understand. The G-Cat is my favorite boat for it's dual trampolines and high-volume hulls.
How can you intimate that an H16 is not sturdy? Those things are tanks. The rocks get out of my way when they see me coming. And no bouyancy? The thing floats when the hulls are full of water. 
An H16 is a great starter boat and a great boat to continue on with. I think the big thing really depends on what you are going to be doing and how much $$ you want to spend.
The H16 is a smaller boat and you may grow out of it soon, then again some of the best sailors I know use and H16. In addition, you can't get very hurt by buying a used H16 if you decide you don't want to own a boat. They are very easy to sell and you should be able to get your initial investment out of it.
The G stands for Geissler, the original designer/builder.
There are quite a few different models, the 5.0M Mk II and 5.7M being the most common. The G-Force 21 and G-Cat 6.1M are pretty rare, and I've only seen a single G-Cat 5.0M Mk I
I've also only seen a single G-Force 36 Sport Cruiser but that's beyond the beach-cat range.
There is a G-cat 5.0M Mk II with a trailer and new sails for $2200 listed in the classifieds. I've spoken with the owner and know that the sails alone cost him that much.
The G-Cat is a boardless yet symmetrical hull design with three crossbeams. It relies on it's Deep-V hull-shape to go to weather, and I can attest that it's a very functional design. My friend Ralf Cole of Bradenton Beach Boat Rentals only uses G-Cats in his rental fleet due to their sturdy construction and easy-to-maintain design. He takes people who have never been on a boat before and teaches them the fundamentals of sailing in 15 minutes on the water. Off they go and when their time is up they sail back to the beach.
If you follow the race results around Tampa Bay you will find G-Cats still placing well against much newer boats, and Hans Geissler still sailing them.