Like many other skippers, I have lost my "racing" crew.
My wife, who raced for many years on cats before we met and after our marriage, can no longer race. The abuse she has subjected her knees to by being an extreme athlete over the years is now rearing it's head. She will be no longer be able to "move about on the tramp" like she used to.
Knowing my love for racing, she has suggested selling our P19MX and purchasing a cat that I can race single-handed. I have raced the Prindle single-handed, but I take a beating on the numbers.
I am looking for suggestions on buying a cat that I can single-hand race, but can also be used to take my wife out day sailing. The problem being is that I work out fairly hard and weigh 210 and am 6'2''. My wife is 5'8" and is an athletic 140 pounds. Boy, that seems like a hard bill to fill!!
Suggestions so far have included a Nacra 5.5 and a Taipan 4.9. I have not sailed on either boat and realize that coming off a 19 ft. boat will probably be a shock. I certainly want to have a spinnaker option.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave
Bummer!
For a different idea - consider moving up to a bigger boat, maybe even an F-24 or so, and have her skipper whilst you run the foredeck.
Hope it works out. My suggestion would be an Inter-17r.
Just another woman's perspectives:
Would your wife like to continue racing if it were on another kind of boat?
Or does she just not want to race on sailboats any more at all, and her knees are just her excuse to opt out?
If she still wants to race, you guys should talk about what kind of boat to get that you can still race on together. If she really does NOT wnat to race any more on any kind of boat, then you are free to do your own thing.
But it is always possible that she will not tell you that she really wants to continue to sail but on a different kind of boat, since she knows how much you love your beach cats.
Mary,
I like your questions.
She would not like to continue racing on any kind of boat. Before we met 10 years ago my wife crewed for 2-3 skippers at one time, belonged to 2 Fleets and raced probably every weekend somewhere in the State. It was her "escape" following a bad divorce. She has been racing with me on a local level, but never had her heart into it. She has preferred shoving off into the Gulf for the day. And like she has said; "going the direction I want to go, for as long as I want to go". I would be honest in saying that she no longer has an interest in racing on any boat we may own.
The knee issue is not an excuse. She has had orthoscopic
on the knees several years back and at present is under pain management with knee replacement in the near future.
As we are both nearing retirement we are discussing buying one of the F tris in the reasonably near future. I would say that dream will be a reality in 3-4 years. MEANWHILE
because my wife respects my passion for racing (she has been there) she says "buy a boat that you can race single-hand, and still be capable of taking both of us out on that weekend "cruise to no particular place".
Sorry for being a little long-winded, but I needed to clear a few things up.
So, that being said. Suggestions please.
Thank you,
Dave
Sounds like the F-boat is the ultimate answer. Since you only have to wait a few more years to get it, you don't want to spend a bundle on a new small cat now. So you need a used boat that is comfortable for two to "cruise" on, easy for one to race, and either has or can be adapted for spinnaker, and has a decent Portsmouth rating, and that is either cheap enough so that you can afford to keep it forever or will hold its value well enough so you can easily sell it when you move to the F-boat.
As far as I am concerned, it's the Hobie 18. 
Mary,
Thank you for taking an interest in my quest. The first boat we owned was a Hobie 18. We decided to move up to a new Prindle 19 when we had a difficulty "keeping up with the pack" while playing in the Gulf. As I started pressing the boat in "the chop", the deck lips became an issue. It does have a good rating if you can sail at min. crew weight. The issue that has plagued me from the beginning is that I am a big guy.
But, you brought up a very good point. Thinking back on the 18, it was an excellent boat for me to single-hand.
Enclosed is a pic of my TheMightyHobie18 (MULTI-HIGH) getting ready for a "speed tack"
Thanks Mary
Dave
I mountainbike 40 miles a week and used to get soreness/pain/fatigue in my knees. I told my chiropractor about this, and she recommended that I take 250-400 mg of Magnesium a day, taken before I go to bed. It took about 3 days to clear up my knees. I have NOT had orthoscopic.
She also recommended Emer'gen-C. Here is a link.
http://www.vnfnutrition.com/phpshop...
I wonder how many crews use 'knee pads'.
Hi Chris,
Appreciate the info. We have been seeking help with this issue for quite some time. Initially the orthopedic specialist determined that there was no cushion left in the knee joint and that the prognosis was "severe arthritis". Replacement was suggested when she could no longer deal with it. There were pain killers prescribed. Since that time she has been able to manage the pain with the help of acupuncture and acupressure treatments.
Wish it were as easy as taking supplements.
Thanks for the input.
Dave
lifespanfitness.us
Rick has a similar problem with his right knee. An orthopedic surgeon recommended replacement, but after researching that, he found that if you plan to remain physically active, it is only temporary, and you have to keep replacing it again periodically, and each time the knee is replaced, your leg gets a little shorter. He finally learned that a custom-designed brace can accomplish the same thing. So that's what he did, and he has been using this brace for years. He used to use it for sailing, but now he just uses it for playing tennis. Without it, there is no way he would be able to play tennis. It's expensive and not very attractive, but it works for many situations.
I'm sure you have already looked into the brace option. Just mentioning it for the benefit of other people who might have knee problems and want to remain physically active for the rest of their lives.
Word of warning,
My father played collegiate basketball back in the 70's. His whole body below his waste orthopedically is FUBAR'd now. He had his right knee replaced one year ago, and is still having difficulties getting around. He's getting better, but in his opinion, he was better before the surgery. His knee wont pop out of joint anymore, but he's in much more pain. Of course, Dad's a 6'8" 300lbs guy, probably quite different physically from your wife (I hope) 😛
You could also look into a G-Cat 5.7M and put your spinnaker onto it. Definately a great boat for cruising and still competitive with it's rating. Just ask Hans 
Boats adviced so far : Hobie 18, G-cat 5.7, supercat 17, Inter 17 R, Nacra 5.5 and Taipan 4.9
And if we wait long enough than somebody will suggest a Tornado as a well suited option.
None of these suggestion, with the exception of the Taipan and I-17, have a PN rating for singlehanded sailing. You give as a reason to get rid of your Prindle 19 because " ... I take a beating on the numbers". I don't think the situation will be much different with the named alternatives.
The I-17 for that matter doesn't have a PN rating for doublehanded use.
But here comes the funny part : I would personnally not buy a Taipan if I were to sail it only for 3 years. I would think that to be a bad investment, despite the fact that all Taipans that came on the US secondhand market were sold within the month. A this time I don't see any of them being offered for sale in the near future so new will be the way for a Taipan or other F16 boat. Therefor I would personally just get an older boat and save some on the costs and use that for a new daysailer like a Farrier tri. That is my take on the things. I think the nacra 5.5 come closest to this.
However I do think that the new singlehanders are underestimated by :"coming off a 19 ft. boat will probably be a shock". Some require a different approach to catsailing sailing but all are just as fast as the P19 and most are more refined in their controls and behaviour. The shock my be the other way around as in :"Why didn't I do this earlier".
If a new boat is in the budget than I would advice to look at the modern singlehanders; either the F16's or the FX-one and I-17 with a jib kit. If you want something new to learn than go for the low drag boats (lightweights F16's and A-cats) these do require a slightly different approach to sailing. You get the most speed out of these not by brute force but by refinement and subtle control. These boats talk to you and react inmensely to the proper tuning. It is a new extention to sailing in my opinion and one that has more potential for speed gains. An A-cat is the king in this but not really suited to be sailed by two persons. Also a sloop boat should not be underestimated in relation to a uni-rig. It take to much time to fully go into this but the speed difference between a sloop and uni-rig is much much less than the difference caused by being lightweight.
I wish you good luck in your search for a new boat.
Wouter
Wouter, did you miss the very race-ready Taipan 4.9 in the Cat Sailor's Classifieds?
If you are money conscious, as I am, why not look at an older Stilletos?
No I'm not forgetting this one: This boat was sold in 2003 already. I don't know why the add ist still in the classifieds.
And Rick is keeping his.
I keep track of the boats but there is none on offer in the US at this time and the ones that were likely to be offered have done so already.
Wouter
Dave,
As I understand your needs, you want a boat for YOU to RACE single-handed and your wife would like to FUNSAIL but NOT RACE.
You DO NOT plan to RACE double-handed.
You are 6'2", 210lbs and your wife is 5'8", 140lbs.
You live in Crystal Beach, FL, near St Pete.
I believe that an A Class would fit your needs very well.
Their dpn is 65.2, faster than any cat under 18 feet long.
Add a spinnaker and it drops to 62.496.
They are competetive with crews as heavy as 220lbs.
You could easily cary an extra 140lbs for an afternoon ride (she wouldn't even have to trim a jib:-).
Since the A Class only weighs 165lbs, it is easy for a single-hander to setup.
The A Class are very active in Florida. The Gulf Coast Championships will be held in Gulfport, FL next year.
There are many used boats for sale on the US A Class website .
Thanks for jumping in with all your comments. I really do appreciate "every" post. I am going to sift through the numerous cats that could fit the bill. The first step is looking at a cat that was designed to be raced single-handed. That is my priority and would be a good place to start. Otherwise I will be dealing with numbers "adjustment" right out of the box. Same place I am now. Then, it would be nice to have the spinnaker. As opposed to "adding" a spinnaker, the boat should be designed with a spinnaker in mind.
Again, thanks to everyone. I am well on my way. It is not as if I am boatless. LOL
Dave
Dave, questions very much like the one that you raised at the beginning have come up in several threads I've seen in recent months, so I think it's fair to say that there are several people wrestling with similar issues. So it would be interesting for us to know what conclusions you eventually come to.
Mark.
As someone who has already gone through this let me make a couple of suggestions.
Unless you like sailing and racing alone, you are going to miss your crew and your 19.
Except for the A-Class and some special boats, single hand cats are big and heavy to rig, launch, and right by yourself.
I would suggest looking for racing crew. Look for someone young who fits in well with you and your wife. This is hard work and you will probably go through several prospects before you find someone you can work with. But you get to keep sailing like you want and you bring someone young into the sport.
Personally, I'd love to see you get an 18 Square. There are workarounds for its shortcomings (or rather, oversize-comings?). And I take other crew, and with the 11' beam, that comfortably. And you can get into one pretty cheap, saving that extra cash for your ultimate F-boat solution.
But, to be honest, there in Florida is a growing fleet of I17R. At least there are several in the Panhandle. Don't know how they'll handle an extra person, but I should think for dinking around they'd do fine with the weight
sea ya
tami
You mentioned Fboats earlier. The main problem with sailing an Fboat is the lack of available/reliable crew members. If you really plan on getting one you need to sail on several to determine which one you like. For me it was the F25c for a friend it was the F28R. If you make yourself available you could probably crew on some Fboat at least once a week. You might try the nationals web site for crew positions available. My first sail on a F31 was at the 2001 nationals. There were 67 Fboats that year. Try the link below... Theres usally a free ride somewhere at these events.
As far as bad knees; steering or sail triming would be the best for your wife. Also wives are welcome crew members as well especially if they can cook 
fair winds,
thom
Let me hop in on this thread really quick. I am in a similar situation, in that I have a 5.5 I can not find a consistant crew, and when I go singlehanded, it seems as though it's blowing like stink. I can sail uni, but seeing as though the 5.5sl has some disadvantages sailing uni (shorter mast, less main, etc..), I'm looking to either go A cat, or 18sq. Don't think I have the cash outlay for A cat (arn't they 7k+?), but 18 sq I might be able to manage. Where to look for a used one is my question....
Weren't you going to get shang-hyed up north, Theo? If you're still around, we expect you at Tradewinds! 🙂
Tad,
My RV trailer hitch is going to Key Largo empty since I'm crewing on David's I20....bait bait...
I'd probably bite if it weren't for the piss-poor condition of my sail and the fact that she's taking on water at an alarming rate 
how bout wings on your p19, thats a rocket and not many could keep up if you dropped 140# and trapped out on the bar. also she will be much more comfortable daysailing with a bench seat/backrest.
You mentioned Fboats earlier. The main problem with sailing an Fboat is the lack of available/reliable crew members. If you really plan on getting one you need to sail on several to determine which one you like. "
That is not necessarily true Thom. I can single hand a F31R aft cabin in most conditions, but don't race it singlehanded unless it is a doublehanded race. I also don't fly the spinaker singlehanded. A good friend of mine puts on around 1500 miles a year on a nearby lake with his F24, mostly singlehanding. The 24 is an awsome boat as it is small enough that one rarely,if ever needs a winch. I can't comment on the 28, but I had a 27 and could singlehand that. As for our 31 I step the mast singlehanded very often. Its not a big deal, well its a big mast but very managable. That all said I would think you would be most happy with a F18ht or similar. Basically an A-class for two! You can singlehand it most times,and take crew with as well. Go with your instincts though.
We will be in Pensacola for the Corsair nationals, swing by and take a look if you want, catch us on a non-race day and you might be able to tag along.
Yup, Northboud at sometime I am. Trouble is, the FAA calls whenever they feel like it. I figure I might as well have as much fun as I can NOW, instead of planning my life for something that might be a year away. Besides, I don't think I'v eever done anything "practical" anyway...why start now!
Jake....If you hitch is going to be empty....and you come down I95, I'd certinly want to hook my boat up to your rig and go, if it's possible?!? That would work perfect, as my "tow vehicle" is needing a transmission right now.
O.K..........
Thanks to one and all for your valuable input on my question. As you will notice, many of your suggestions played a part in my decision. This is the reason I love this forum so much. Catsailors helping catsailors.
After much thought on this matter, I have made my decision on a few factors. 1. I have this thing about buying anything "used". Given the fact that it won't be very long before we will most likely purchase an F tri, it wouldn't make a "whole lot of sense" to spend $10,000 + on a new cat.
2. Given our crew weight, it seems that the "perfect" cat for our needs does not exist. I would always be faced with less than ideal situations. 3. Since my racing is confined to our local distance races, I can't honestly say that racing is "first and foremost" the type of sailing I do. 4. I liked Carl's comment on bringing someone into sailing by seeking racing crew. It should be fun and I will be doing my small part to help grow the sport.
Last, but not least. We really do like that P19MX. It is enought of a boat that we can have a blast sailing together on, and in the majority of our winds I can single-hand it quite comfortably. So, I leave everything "as is", with the exception of finding someone that would like to race in long distance events. He (or she) should be very strong and agile...AND weight around 85 pounds. LOL
Thanks to everyone again,
Dave
There 'ya go! Good luck Dave, I hope you can find someone. I haven't tried it but you might want to make a flyer to post in the local bike/outdoor sports shop. Hook someone that is into extreme stuff but may not have been exposed to catamarans yet.