I'm interested in A-Cat type of hull and have looked at Nacra 5.0 and H16. I want to hang and go fast solo and may take occasional friend. So what boat should I get? It will be sailed mostly in the Chesapeake Bay. I own a wetsuit, and don't mind the wind. Do I really need dagger boards? Thanks. OH if you have a boat for sale in the Mid Atlantic that fits this requirement. Just let me know. Thanks!

--
Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
--

The 5.0 wouldnt be a bad choice. There is a nice one in the classifieds.

http://www.TheBeachcats.c…2500-1983-nacra-5-0.html

--
Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

any of these would work for ya
hobie 16
prindle 16
dart 16 or 18
nacra 5.0
g-cat 5.0

a-cats are for solo sailing (i guess you could force someone else on it, but they are weight sensitive and it wouldn't be great)

An A-cat would be a very bad choice for a beginner. They tend to be very fragile, setup for a relatively light crew and are monsters to sail. They are also expensive as heck.

The 5.0 would be a good choice for you. The H16 will work for you solo but will wallow a bit with 2 on board. If you aren't racing they are both decent choices for you. In my opinion getting a daggerless boat when you are starting is a good idea. You may not be able to point as high as a dagger boat but simple it better when you are learning. There are
enough things to think about at first without adding to it. Try and stick with looking at 16-17 ft boats to start, when buying used condition is everything so look for the nicest boat if your price range.

Regards,
Dave

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--

Wolfman, when you get your boat come sail with us - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HobieFleet32/

We have monthly meetings at the "Ships Cabin" in East Beach, Ocean View, Norfolk - first official event for 2013 is hs the 'Sail the Bay Regatta', 18-19 May.

--
Virginiasailor
Prindle 15
--

Quote

I'm interested in A-Cat type of hull and have looked at Nacra 5.0 and H16.

perhaps the term 'A-Cat' should be defined. a nacra 5.0 or H16 are not A-Cats. A-Cats are very light (165lbs), solo cats with just a main sail. as MN3 pointed out, they're not for a beginner.

http://www.youtube.com/wa…&list=PL059085FA48DD7B12

i would agree that a nacra 5.0 would be a great choice and would be a good starting point with room to grow and learn. not as prone to pitchpoling as a H16.
j

--
Aquacat 12 (sold)...'87 Nacra 5.8 (sold)...'03 Nacra Inter18 (sold)
Venture 15 (sold)....'89 Nacra 5.8 (sold)...'91 Nacra 5.8NA (sold)
'99 Nacra Inter20 (sold)
--

i can't think of a good 17' footer without boards)

what other 17's are there as options?

Quote

Try and stick with looking at 16-17 ft boats to start, when buying used condition is everything so look for the nicest boat if your price range.

Edited by MN3 on Feb 19, 2013 - 12:10 PM.

Supercat 17

--
Mac
Midlands South Carolina
AHPC Viper USA 366
A Cat USA 366
Super Cat 17
--

oh yea, forgot about that one... great (but very wet) cat

lakewateree

Supercat 17

arch

Quote

I'm interested in A-Cat type of hull and have looked at Nacra 5.0 and H16.

perhaps the term 'A-Cat' should be defined. a nacra 5.0 or H16 are not A-Cats. A-Cats are very light (165lbs), solo cats with just a main sail. as MN3 pointed out, they're not for a beginner.

http://www.youtube.com/wa…&list=PL059085FA48DD7B12

i would agree that a nacra 5.0 would be a great choice and would be a good starting point with room to grow and learn. not as prone to pitchpoling as a H16.
j

HA I realize A Class is a different animal compared to what we're talking about. I'm leaning (smile) towards the 5.0.

--
Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
--

The difference between the Hobie and the Nacra is easy, just ask yourself if you want a boat that will tack.

--
Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

Even the Hobie 17 is OK for solo driving. Don't be too quick to dump the concept of daggerboards... not hard to learn and makes the boat point nicer into the wind... once you get good at sailing you'll love'm. I single hand a nacra 6.0Na. really cool to see the daggerboards in the air... yeehaaaa!

Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate

turborat

Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate

+1

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

turborat

Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate

I want to go fast, and have fun, not cart the family around so wouldn't a go cart be more desirable. There's always the laser for portability so that's a consideration as well. Ground handling the boat solo.

--
Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
--

Need good hull volume and no boards? The G-Cat is the boat for you.

--
Hobie 16
Hobie 18
G-Cat 5.7
--

speaking of g-cats ...
Hans has started a g-cat page on facebook and is looking to have much more access to g-cat owners

MN3

speaking of g-cats ...
Hans has started a g-cat page on facebook and is looking to have much more access to g-cat owners

Website is no longer active
http://www.g-catmultihulls.com

--
Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
--

This is through Hans, not g-cat https://www.facebook.com/GCatOwnersAndEnthusiasts

goodsailing

MN3

speaking of g-cats ...
Hans has started a g-cat page on facebook and is looking to have much more access to g-cat owners

Website is no longer active
http://www.g-catmultihulls.com

Nacra and hobie parts are easily available at many locations. G-cat and supercat parts are not as easily found. Keep that in mind.

--
Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

USED Supercat parts are hard to come by. Most SC parts can be had from Aquarius new, those guys are great to work with. Have to pay new prices though!

--
Mac
Midlands South Carolina
AHPC Viper USA 366
A Cat USA 366
Super Cat 17
--

Nvm, there is a lot more wind in your area than mine ! Since im in a low wind area I can solo a 6.0 Mystere most of the time (anything in between 8-12 knots is fun and safe). But I see in your area the average seems to be higher then that!



Edited by mysteres on Feb 20, 2013 - 12:52 PM.

--
Proud owner of a Mystère 6.0
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
--

You will not go wrong with the N5.0. I have a 5.0 & a 5.7 & solo them both more often than with crew. Up to 15 kts the 5.7 is a blast, after that it really helps to have crew. I have soloed the 5.0 in 30mph, but it was pinching, survival mode. I have only pitchpoled the 5.0 once, it can be driven pretty hard into waves. Don't know about righting the Hobie, but unless the wind is up I need a bag to right either the 5.7 or 5.0. My buddy, @ 190 lb cannot quite get the 5.0 to come up if the wind is light.
If you plan on driving it under power up onto the beach the Hobie hulls are probably more durable.
They will both do just over 20 mph. Simple to rig & sail. The newer boats are faster, hence the dearth of any boomless designs in the high performance classes. For recreational sailing, you won't notice the difference, & the boomless Nacra makes life really easy.
Don't discount the H17 if a good one is available. Be aware of the difference between dagger boards,(you pull them up & down, they have no pivoting action) & the pivoting boards on the H17. The pivoting ones don't destroy your boat if you hit something. A fellow on the Island across from my bay has an H17, & it looks like great fun. We regularily sail them against each other.
In wind it is nearly as fast as the 5.7, & though I can point as high, I have to work at it, weight forward, careful sail trim. He suffers when the water gets rough, his H17 tends to hobby horse, & kills speed everytime the bows dip. The Nacra has much more flotation & cuts through the rough water better. The H17 has wings if you want the comfort they provide.
The one caveat is that you are 210 lbs, & you will sometimes bring a buddy. The H17 uses pretty fine hulls, & bogs down with a couple of 200 lbers on it. The Nacra is a better boat for two.
Look over any boat you buy very carefully. Make an extensive list of things to inspect & print it out. Saves trying to remember everything when at the site. Don't buy on "happy feelings & emotion". As Phil says on Duck Dynasty, "makeup can cover a lot of evil Cole Man."

--
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
--

Check locally and get a Hobie 16 they are everywhere, cheap, easy to sail, very easy to get parts for. Sail it for a few years and decide if you want to do more. At 210 you can sail it solo and take a babe when you want. Learn it well and then move to a dagger board boat.

I have a Nacra and it is a fine vessel but the support for parts is a pain, IN MY OPINION, getting parts for anything but a Hobie is more difficult than for a Hobie. I also have a Hobie 18 and it is easier for parts support etc. For example there are very few Nacra dealers and ONLY ONE importer, I have a hobie dealer that ships same day and I get parts the next. If he nacra dealer can get the part it takes days and sometimes weeks to get to me. Happy with the dealer but the parts are tougher. I have only seen one supercat in my life, same with Prindle cats, only seen a couple.

There are several guys here that are ANTI Hobie, fine but do not let them discourage you from a good hobie 16. Get one with solid hulls redoing them is a pain, white is generally the best. Sails are secondary, but decent hulls are a must. Usually they can be bought for under a grand with trailer. JMHO, Richard.

--
Lake Perry KS
H-18
N-5.5 UNI +spin
--

I don't think I am anti-hobie. I'm just very pro Nacra. I like most of the Hobie designs especially the H18.

I do have some gripes about the H 16 though, mainly due to the tendancy to cartwheel without much warning. Yes I know there are things you can do to make up for it like raking the mast back, getting the antipitchpole foils and trapping of the back. I just prefer to have a more forgiving platform.

That being said - the H16 is the most plentiful cat on the planet, finding one in good condition for cheap is relatively easy, finding new and used parts is extremely easy. They are also likely the simplest cat to rig and learn to sail on in light air (next to a wave). The tramp is very uncluttered so lots of room for yourself and crew. And they go like stink!!! So there are many pros to getting one as an entry level boat.

The Nacras are harder to find but I haven't had any problem getting parts except for the beam end caps. Just not from a dealer. The cathouse, New england catamarans and the used market here are great for stuff like that. I have rarely bought new parts for my boats except for sails (custom) mast balls and rigging (also custom).

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--

Buy the best boat you can get for your budget. H16 P16, Nacra 5.2, 5.0 ect ect They all have the good and bad points

--
Nacra 5.2
--

If you're a big guy, and want to bring another person or two on your boat, those small-displacement hulls on the H-16 are going to struggle. Concur with others here, find a good example of whatever you buy, or you'll wind up just pouring more cash in it until you finally give up and buy the boat you should have bought in the first place.

--
Hobie 16
Hobie 18
G-Cat 5.7
--

Being a larger sailor myself and a former H16 pilot, I can say that they are fun boats and can be quite fun in heavy weather. They are not hard to right solo and just day sailing it does not hurt to load them up over the Min crew weight. With the cooler rack on the cross bar and a tramp bag its easy to carry enuff refreshments for a long day on the water.

I'm sure that Damon has a boat buyers thingy on here about what to look for on various boats, that has always seemed to be a FAQ. Do your homework on the boats on your short list and inspect every one you go look at.

Enjoy whatever you buy!!

--
Lee - On the BIG Lake in MS

Harstil Kaulua 31 - Current Project Boat
Cal 25 - What ? Time to freshen it up again??
MC Scow 16 (1 in the water and 1 parts/project) SOLD
Capri 22 - What do you mean you wont deliver it??
Chrysler Pirateer 13 - new addition to the fleet
--

I sail a Prindle 18 out of Podickory Point (Near Sandy Point State Park) on the Bay. My weight is 240 lbs. and I solo it frequently. In my opinion need extra weight of crew in winds over 12 knots. Would be glad to get together with you later in the year when it warms up if you want to try the Prindle out. Have had no trouble getting parts for this boat.



Edited by spoulton on Feb 28, 2013 - 04:11 PM.

--
Scott
ARC 21
Prindle 18
Annapolis, Maryland
--

spoulton

I sail a Prindle 18 out of Podickory Point (Near Sandy Point State Park) on the Bay. My weight is 240 lbs. and I solo it frequently. In my opinion need extra weight of crew in winds over 12 knots. Would be glad to get together with you later in the year when it warms up if you want to try the Prindle out. Have had no trouble getting parts for this boat.Edited by spoulton on Feb 28, 2013 - 04:11 PM.

Scott and others: I bought a Laser and a sunfish and have been sailing the Chesapeake from Rocky Point just about every week. In fact I have about 100 hours in these boats, 15kt+ winds and I'm ready now to move up to cats. Still looking at A Cats but investigating proa's. Scott: .Just lit me know when you want to go sailing! Thanks

--
Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
--