Beachcat for 13 y/old 105 lb Opti Sailor?

For that price range your best bet is a Hobie 14 turbo or Hobie 16. You can probably handle a 14 with a friend but if you throw one of your parents on it, it will start to drag pretty badly I think they are made for a total crew weight of around 200-250 lbs. The only downside to a hobie 16 would be that you likely won't be able to right it by yourself until you grow a bit more, even with one of your parents on it you could have problems righting it. Invest in a mast float and a righting pole to solve that problem.

Hope that helps. I think you have the right idea for a first cat!

D.

i was going to get a righting pole because i saw how hard it is to right a f18 and a f20.

o.k.

You can probably find a "ready to sail" Hobie 14 for $1,500, which would be great and quite a thrill ride after sailing Opti's for that long. If you mostly sail solo that's the way to go. In a couple of years and a little bigger you can graduate to the Hobie 16 which is almost the same boat, just bigger and more powerful.

If you always plan to have crew then start with a Hobie 16, you'll be able to find a nice (older) boat for your price and be able to sell it for what you paid if you decide upgrade later.

i was thinking about i h14t a little while ago. i just did not like how small the hulls where and there is no way my parents would let me sail alone. but if i hind a nice turbo i would get it.

o.k.

optikid wrote: there is no way my parents would let me sail alone.

In that case skip the H14, it really is a (small) single handed boat unless you are going to sail with crew your size or smaller. You are right about the small hulls.

Actually, you mention sailing with your (non sailing) parents, how much do they weigh? If one is pretty small the H14 might work for you.

The only way you'll know is to get on some boats, at 105 pounds and an experienced sailor you should be able to get a crew gig every weekend if you show up at regattas.

i think there both about 130-170

I believe you're right... H16 would be a good choice for you, esp. since you say you're not sailing alone. Good first boat: cheap, lots of parts available, some fleet action. I'd suggest a Wave, but the price of the things is staying high. Are you involved with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron? There's some catamarans there, or were...

there are a few waves for use at the clearwater sailing center as well.. if you know any one there.. may be worth calling them to get a few free rides under your belt

tami wrote: Are you involved with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron? There's some catamarans there, or were...

im a squadron member but i sail with the S.Y.S.P. Sarasota youth sailing program. not many cats there. the there are a couple people letting the older ysp kids race there f18 during the year.
o.k.

You should know that multi hull sailing is quite different from mono... especially a bathtub Opti. You will be handling a LOT more bottom and a much higher speeds. What interests you so much about beach cats vs. upgrading to a larger mono hull such as a V-15, Snipe, Tasar or FJ?

My 15 year old daughter started skippering her own P-16 two years ago here on Big Bear (re: lots of wind). She won most of local races in 16 division, went to Arrowhead last year for H-16 youth regatta, got busted in 20 knots last day there, but righted from nasty pitchpole, and now I feel comfortable having her skipper my Tornado. Hey, the world champions are mixed team Nahib & Roland Gaebler. Do it girl. Pete

Hobie 14 all the way.

al.reed wrote: You should know that multi hull sailing is quite different from mono... especially a bathtub Opti. You will be handling a LOT more bottom and a much higher speeds. What interests you so much about beach cats vs. upgrading to a larger mono hull such as a V-15, Snipe, Tasar or FJ?

i chose a beachcat vs a mono hull is because there faster more exciting AND in 2 years i sail lasers.
i know they handle different i have raced a f18 in a very small race

i think i found a hobie 16
http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/boa/2660210652.html
http://lakeland.craigslist.org/boa/2650291878.html
http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/chl/boa/2658336243.html
each one is 700. from the pics i think the 1st or 2ed on it better.

Edited by optikid on Oct 22, 2011 - 09:31 AM.

the 3ed one is a 1981

Wait Wait !! Consider the nacra 5.2.. 110 LB and a bag could right it .. Kicks the H16 in the A**.. HORIZON TIME !! Room to grow FOR YOUNGER SAILERS.. Can be sailed with out the jib as a uni.. (Unlike the h16) Price is the same on craigs.. Going to need help to do the set-up on all of these boats (set-up is the same) so the in water problems are solved with friends around and you need them for set-up ( even for the 14) .. small platform is great for a small person.. trim and balance when single is great to learn about the boat and cat sailing.. mast rake and aft-forward weight trim is quite clear to begining folke.. (Dont buy small skis for your kids cuz they will need much bigger ones next year..) Hal Tkink BIG

i would sail a 5.2 but i cant afford it.

Keep watching Craigs List. I got one for $800 and a project boat for $150 that needs rudders and a tramp. Came with a trailer as well.. Just got a H 17 for $600 with a excel. trailer.. Winter and early spring .. a great time to shop. Cheers Hal

Keep watching Craigs List. I got one for $800 and a project boat for $150 that needs rudders and a tramp. Came with a trailer as well.. Just got a H 17 for $600 with a excel. trailer.. Winter and early spring .. a great time to shop. Cheers

if i find one i will get one.

optikid wrote: if i find one i will get one.

I'd recommend that you try to get out on several of the suggested boats to see the pros/cons before buying. Around here folks would be asking you to crew all the time at 105 lbs. and knowing your way around a boat!