I live near Long Beach CA and am looking for a good entry level Cat that I can take out by myself and add my husband every now then.

I consider myself a very inexperienced sailor even though I've sailed for several years and used to own a Prindle 18 (for 1 year but sold it a couple of years ago because I couldn't step the mast by myself or even get it down to the water despite the beach wheels). I also had a tough time tacking it. My problem is that I'm overweight (210 lbs but starting a diet program, honest! ) and my husband is 6'4" and weighs 260lbs. Is it even possible for me to get something that I can set up and sail by myself that will carry the two of us (which will likely only happen a few times a year)? If not, what should I get to just go single handed as I really need to get back to the beach and the water and the outdoors?

I appreciate all of your help!

ps. I love the idea and look of the A-cat or the Nacra 5.0 but don't know if it's too much performance for me (I've never trapezed).

Hobie Wave. Your criteria does not allow a high performaqnce boat. Pete

I would say the getaway.... every time I use one I really like it more and more. The wave is really small....

The wave has a few options like a jenneker or spinnaker so if you got more confident you could upgrade...

Hobie Getaway. On second thought I wouldn't get a cat that meets your criteria. The A Cat is too small for 470 lbs. The Nacra would be great but not for inexperienced single handed. Maybe talk your husband into crewing for you ( there are ways) and find a P18, or H18. If you buy the wave your husband WILL NEVER go again.

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Nacra 5.2
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Can she raise the mast of a Getaway herself? Pete

pbegle

Can she raise the mast of a Getaway herself? Pete

With a stepper....or gin pole

I second Petes advice. She has stated that she has to be able to rig, move & sail the boat herself. If it is a bear for her to get it in the water, it will stay on land, & that defeats the entire purpose. Nowhere did she state big performance as a need.
Most of the people on this forum are into the upper end, performance wise, of Cats. We sometimes forget that performance isn't everyone's main criteria.
The Wave can be a ton of fun by herself, I sailed one with my wife,(total weight 300 lb) & it was good fun, with only 200 lbs on it, it will be a blast, especially in winds of 15-20.
It was also so simple a boat that kids could rig it.
She is only going to sail with Hubby "a couple of times a year". So for those couple of times, they just putzter along, if hubby really likes it, buy a second Wave, or as they get better look at another boat.

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Hobie Wave is a good choice.

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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
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First off, thank you so much, everyone, for the advice. I really appreciate you all taking the time to repond. I agree with Ed - I am looking for something to have fun in myself, get active, and be on the water. That being said, I do like those adrenaline rushes so once I get my confidence up and get stronger/healthier, I can upgrade to a higher performance cat. Sidenote is that my husband owns his own business and works weekends so we rarely have a full day together.

I'm going to pursue the Hobie Wave. I'll post a note when I get one!

Thanks, again.

If you like the P18 other than the rigging maybe a P16 would work for and have enough buoyancy for both of you when you want it. Still harder to rig than a Wave probably but but I've had my P18 for about 3 years and still usually rig with 2 or more people but We usually go as a Family so they are available. But I am pretty close to being able to do it solo. I think I found a used ginpole on the cheap but I have to fix my truck first and hope it's still there.

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Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
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Also saw this for sale here it might be good but though not very close to you.

http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/10700/cat/1


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Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
--

The prindle 15 might be a good choice although 30 to 40
pounds heavier than the wave. Not sure of the weight of
a venture 15, But they are a fun easy to rig boat. Just
saw a post last night from someone sailing theirs with
three on board at 450 pounds. They said it does well and
I know from experience it handles the heavier wind quite well.
Found that the Venture weighs 250lbs. About the same as the wave.



edited by: pknapp66, Aug 03, 2010 - 06:20 PM

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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pbegle

Hobie Wave. Your criteria does not allow a high performaqnce boat. Pete

Hi, if you are considering the Wave have a look at the Nacra Playcat for comparison. I do not have any experience with this boat (I am also new and just started sailing my Nacra 450 this year) but it may give you more choice. Besides, I am so impressed with my 450 that I am a little biased. Anyway, good luck and enjoy.

Martin