hey guys
OK so I think I have my old 1981 Prindle 18 ready for a sail...my problem? I've always sailed from Surfside, or a lake thats now 5 or 6 hours away. I don't want my maiden voyage to be from the beach, because this boat is in such good shape that I'm worried something could go wrong and it would be destroyed in the surf. Too many times, this has happened to one of our old NACRAs, and this time I have kids, the wife, and a realy pristine boat. Does anyone know if lake Conroe has a nice spot to pull a cat up on shore? I there a better lake just a little further away, maybe? I live in Sugar Land, which is SW of Houston, so Conroe is still a drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Repairable P18
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You could always put in in the Clear lake area. Huge bay to sail with no surf. Conroe has some shifty winds that can be very frustrating at times (i live near conroe). Your best bet for consistent winds and a easy launch would be clearlake/seabrook area.

There are only 3 or 4 places to pull your cat onto the shore. Near the dam theres a [lace called "The beach" which normally has so many power boats its unsafe to take the cat into that area. On the north side of the lake there is a park you can pull up to but same situation if its crowded with power boats.

As for setting up, we always get to the boat ramp and off load the boat into the grass and step the mast and rig. Put the boat on beach wheels and CAREFULLY push it down the ramp.

I live 20 minutes from conroe and i normally choose clear lake over conroe. Its a much further drive so that should speak for itself.

Hey thanks for the input, TC. When I googled the houston area, I did notice the vast clear lake opening, and it is mostly inclosed isn't it? How shallow is it? Any spots to be careful about? Where do you think is the best place to put in? Again, thanks for any help.

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Repairable P18
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My Twin... my long lost twin, where have ya been????

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~ Vietnam Vet 69-71~ 17 Hobie w/big jib, ~18 Hobie mag,~DN Ice sailor,
and other toys.......
~~ I live in NY state on the north shore of Oneida lake in
Bernhards Bay. ~~~~~~
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Go to tcdyc.com and ask these questions. Many of the members live in that area and can advise you better than i can. I surf launch at surfside 95% of the time. If the Texas City Dike was still open i would say go there but its been closed since ike. Good news is that it will be back open this season! Smooth bay waters with no surf makes launching very easy.

If you need any P18 parts let me know. Im local and have sails, mast, rudders, etc that i will sell for a fair price.

Clear lake is pretty straight forward. Most of the lake is 5-6 foot. You can put in by the park and ramp near Nasa and the Hilton. I sail the lake a bit. My work is on the north side and I can sail out of our marina if the wind is right. Wednesday nights there are races on the lake. Good sailing but not too big.

Check out Lake Somerville up 290 toward Austin, if there is wind (check the weather) that is a great place to sail, no blulk heads or houses around since it is an Army Cr. of Engineer Lake. Which means you always launch the boat off the muddy/sandy bank, and you can camp right next to your boat or make it a day trip of course.

90% of the time I sail in Galveston, hit the sea wall and go left to Bermuda Beach and on the weekends during the summer there are always cats out there.

If you wanted to go to my favorite lake that would be Canyon Lake near New Branfuls in the hill country of Texas but that is about 3.5 hours from Houston you would have to wake up early or go camping there. Seems like there is always wind the water is pretty clear. The only thing you have to worry about is that the whole lake is rocky so pulling it on shore can be a little challenging but do able and worth it.