Hello, I am looking for some place to rent Cats in the Tampa Bay area.....I am looking to buy one also in the near future....probably in the next 6 months or so. I don?t have any experience sailing catamarans but cannot wait to get started. I have read up on the Hobie 16 & Getaway and also considering the Nacra 580.....where in the Tampa Bay area could I buy a Hobie or a Nacra 580? thank you Michael

You can learn the basics with some lessons and rental at Clearwater Community Sailing, Sand Key, Clearwater.
Then check out Craigslist around central and west FL for a catamaran. I picked up a great deal on a Hobie 18.
Then come to the Dunedin Causeway and meet a whole bunch or others with their catcat sailors for some of the best sailing in the area.

i dont know if they have a specail rental/lessons at the sailing center without being a member... mebership starts around $800.oo

other options are .. go to the dunedin causeway and rent a trimeran from glen (sailhoneymoon). he will give you a lesson and its a good way to start. i would suggest you pick a day when its blowing around 8mph (or wait till around 1-2pm for the seabreeze.

used h16's are not hard to find at all. keep an eye out on this site, ebay, craigslist, etc.

There is a guy on this thread that should have a h16 for sale next month when his new P18 is ready :)