is this boat too much for a non-cat sailor? I have little to no cat-sailing experience but a few years of mono-hull sailing experience and then also own a power boat that I use for water sports. The cat would be used to sail bays, lakes and coastal waters in southern california. I understand the mechanics of sailing could present quite different challenges and then I have no righting experience. I have all safety gear, VHF radio and know about hypothermia etc. from taking various safety classes.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

The P19 is basically a scaled down tornado and a big beast of a boat in terms of power. I wouldn't recommend it to a first time cat sailor especially on the ocean. That being said, if you already have a decent boat, are competent sailor with a decent crew and start on smaller lakes it could be done. It would be one of the scarier learning curves but no impossible.

If that isn't true I would probably start with one of the smaller less powerful boats for a season or two. Good ones are always the H16, P16, N5.2 and N5.0. If you want a bigger boat consider the hobie 18 (not an F18), P18 (not the 18-2) or the Nacra 5.7. After a season or two of experience you can figure out if you want to stick with the boat or move up to something sportier.

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

I picked up a P19mx(racing version) 2 summers ago with very little sailing experience . Wanted a boat to work into and not have to move up in a year or 2. Let me tell you ..we had some great days and a few bad ones !!.. when wind picked up over 12 knots , this boat really takes off . Took one summer to learn how to control her and by the 2nd summer with more confidence, sailing was amazing ! As long as you un cleat your sails and position into the wind ,righting should not be a problem. We are about 185lbs each and she just makes it up when our backs are just about to the water.This is obviously an older designed boat ,but the local Narca 18's can't keep up. All this to say you need to expect going over quite a few times until you learn to control her .But once in control ,you'll have some great sailing .

Good Luck
Emmett Valliere
Montreal, Canada

very powerful boat but doable

expect to learn your lessons harder and faster (i.e. fantastic flips and crushing crashes)

I would recommend a smaller boat with less control lines to manage .. plus a furling jib is a HUGE plus when you are caught in heavy air... so i would strongly recommend you have one or put one on this boat.

all good advice here. 2 things. 1) Never separate from a catamaran after a crash, it will drift faster than you can swim. 2. Practice capsize before you get out in the big stuff. The P-19 will require about 300lbs to right from capsize. I weigh 170 and used Murray's large righting bag every time I was solo. I now sail a Bimare F18HT and still need the righting bag.

One drawback on the older designs, are the Jib controls, the P-19 and P-19MX have great sail plans for cruising and high speed, but are real poor at quick tacking and gybes compared to self tackers.

Final point, there are lots of controls to de-power the P-19 main, that are very effective, I would recommend one additional point, investigate a 20% reef for anything above 12k when sailing solo, or with novice crew. I trained my first summer in a shallow lake with a P-16 main on my P-19MX.

--
See you on the water
2003 Bimare 18HT solo Sailor
Formerly P-19MX solo sailor
Portsmouth RI
--

I looked into this boat a bit, the main reason to look harder even though its probably too big of a machine for me right now obviously is that I won't need to trade up when going onto coastal waters in Southern California. We have access to Mission bay and San Diego Bay to tune myself and the ride. I found a Murray righting bag (200lbs) for $50 to go with it...I looked at a bunch of clips and then also read up more on the "Ultimate catamaran buyers guide"..btw, I am a reasonable sailor but certainly not a very competent one. However, I understand pretty well how dangerous things can get, which is why I am seeking more feedback here....I do like the thrill aspect of the cat....looked at a bunch of videos of the P19 that definitely got me going...

http://www.sailingproshop.com/catamaran_guide.aspx

here's the sales description:
"1985 Prindle 19 catamaran, $2300
2nd owner of a Fast and fun 19 in good condition. Hulls are tight and everything works as designed.
- Recent (summer 2012) re-glass of hull bottoms and repair glass of centerboards.
- Newer sheets (2011/2012).
- Original Smyth jib (OK condition, wrinkled and zipper needs small repair), backup Danger dacron jib (Crispy, some creases, ugly peanut brittle color, but sails well).
- New Bridles.
- Tramp is clean and tight with some minor tearing where racing jib setup rubbed against the tramp pocket, always covered. No race jib rigging currently available. This cat has been sailed hard, but still has many years of life left and with a little more love than I have time to give, it could be racing again.
- Comes with trailer with large Cat Box and newer wheels. Spare tiller, spare rudder.

Show off and fly hull all day, or bear down and eat Hobies for lunch, this Cat gets it done!
I used this Cat to haul friends and family around, more than enough sail to take the whole family out for fun.
Prindle 19 and Trailer are separately registered and tags are current to 2015."



Edited by marekli on Dec 29, 2013 - 08:30 AM.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

any boat you buy i would have them rig it for you and sail it first if possible

rigging it will show you how and that all parts are there
bring a pad and paper and take pics (or videos)

Hey if you are committed to the boat and go in with your eyes wide open, by all means. Take the advice on a roller furler and a righting bag and learn the boat. I did the same thing on a slightly smaller boat a Nacra 5.2. Not a huge boat but I essentially had NO sailing skills and I did it. Having some good experience on a mono hull will be a huge advantage. If you sailed some of the smaller non-keel boats (i.e. lasers and the like) you will love the cat for its huge power and stability. As long as you know what you are getting into, you will find you will catch up in skill to your machine relatively quickly. Most people go in without understanding how crazy the boats can get and end up scared to death or worse they get hurt.

D.

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

Buy it!

You now have an idea of the issues thanks to the great advice here. I sail a P19 out of Ventura and it really does start to takeoff around 12 knots. If the winds in your area are in this range you're going to have a great time learning in protected Mission Bay or on a lake. I think you'll have a better/safer time learning in fresh water as I did. You can find your limits and practice righting by manually pulling the boat over. If you're in shape I wouldn't hesitate to push the limits and have a great time doing it. A P19 in good shape doesn't come along too often, I searched for about 7 months and wound up driving from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe to get mine. After owning a P16 and P18 the P19 is a different handling high performance machine.

I try to take mine out at least once a week and you are welcome to come out to Ventura and go for a spin on my boat. There are a number of details you'd need to learn and can greatly reduce the frustration that goes with learning a different kind of machine than what you've been accustomed to. I plan on going out as much as possible before having to get back to work.

Sailed to Santa Cruz back in November

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VvOGbetU5I



Edited by spfx on Dec 29, 2013 - 09:14 PM.

I have owned 3 P 18-2's and one P-19MX . The 18-2 is a much better starter. I have sailed p's since I was 10 , now 44. The 19 is a lot of boat and it's true about 12 + mph winds. I have now gone back to the 18-2 and in higher winds it is much more fun. I am now going to upgrade the sail plan to an F-18mainsail design and bigger jib. Also much easier boat to right. I would take up the offer about going out on one first in heavy wind.... Another situation I've seen time and time again is a newbie buying a cat that is much to powerful for their skill level and they get in trouble and get out of the sport all together.



Edited by PIRATE39 on Dec 30, 2013 - 06:28 AM.

--
Doug Klem
Pensacola , Fl.
Blade F16
Prindle 18-2 w/spin
Prindle 18-2 x 3
Prindle 19 MX
--

+1
All it takes is - being overpowered and scared or capsizing in cold water, or not being able to right the boat ... or the kiss of death (taking a wife out and not being a good sailor) and many newbees flee the sport

having an overpowered boat to start only exacerbates all of the above situations

(edit) but if you think you got the guts and determination, go for it. It is possible. I was overpowered and out skilled for all 3 of my catamarans.

Quote

Another situation I've seen time and time again is a newbie buying a cat that is much to powerful for their skill level and they get in trouble and get out of the sport all together.

Edited by MN3 on Dec 30, 2013 - 08:34 AM.

hey SPFX, I had looked at your clip a few days ago and loved it, especially the part with the dolphins midway to Santa Cruz Island....:)

I have two boys up in Santa Barbara in college, so a trip to the Channel Islands woild definitely be something on my list of To-Dos..if I could get them involved even better...b/c of work I rarely make it up there but when I plan a trip could check in with you on the way...

I looked at the boat yesterday, its in ok shape, not great but also not bad....sails have a bit of wear where they cleat into the mast and the zippers on the jib (no roller furl). The trailer has quite a bit of rust but works. Overall the hull looks ok, no damage I could see and no soft spots...theres two jibs, one main.. Everything looks used quite a bit but not really damaged...and it's been sitting outside with only the tramp covered. For the right price I might take it though...

If it got serious the seller would take me to Mission Bay for a day to show me the rigging and get me started....I don't think this is a boat I could take the wife out for quite a while until I had mastered the machine. I can tell it's going to be frustrating just for myself...so maybe after a season or later into the season. I am guessing at least 4-6 days out before I get some kind of routine...I would probably only go out in winds up to 10knots and then could let the sails out when the wind picks up too much...



Edited by marekli on Dec 30, 2013 - 06:24 AM.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Important factor as yet unmentioned.....

If you have a wife/girlfriend, and....
if you want to keep her....
don't take her out on this boat until you've got it figured out!

--
Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16
Clinton, Mississippi
--

actually, I was planning to get a mono hull in the first place but then she threw the wrench into that plan. So I came up with a power boat and that works well for both of us. I still like to sail and like a bit of performance (no racing planned though) which made me think a bit more about cats...also SoCal is an ideal place with beach access and lakes all around....so in the end it would be used 70% by myself and/or friends. If she warms up to it the better...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

The wife advice is very very good. I scared the crap out of mine, and myself for that matter. On the plus side I don't have to take her sailing anymore! :)

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

was mentioned 2 comments above this one
"or the kiss of death (taking a wife out and not being a good sailor) and many newbees flee the sport"

Quote

Important factor as yet unmentioned.....

Edited by MN3 on Dec 31, 2013 - 07:18 AM.

I am studying some clips for Hobie 18 rigging since those are more available...is that comparable to the P19?

BTW, the reason the cat is an option in the first place is b/c the wife is 80% out of the picture for sailing...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

NO ! Look at the Prindle 18-2 . It is the p-19 platform but a foot shorter and less sail area

--
Doug Klem
Pensacola , Fl.
Blade F16
Prindle 18-2 w/spin
Prindle 18-2 x 3
Prindle 19 MX
--

Wolfman , Better hope the wife doesn't read this site or you'll find a mysterious hole in the boat come spring time.
My wife got bored of the 40 minute boat setup (40 more taking it down) on each outing so I'm also sailing with buddies. Upside is we can push the boat quite a bit harder ..
Marekli, when I was trying to figure out the rigging of my boat (I bought it when stored ,so did not see it rigged) I went to visit a local catamaran club . Took a lot of photos of similar boat rigging. What i did notice is that they all had the same principal setup . P19 will have more adjustments for more tighter control of boat and sails. The Hobie would be of a more simplified setup. I'm sure there are more knowledgable members on the site ,but I can definately relate to your situation. For me half the fun is learning with these boats. I've had some amazing crashes ,but always got back on with a huge smile !! If you do pick it up, keep us posted . I'd love to here of your first few outings .

I have no 4WD but my Tundra has LSD that kicks in well on slippery launch ramps (that's still different from soft sand I guess but I could also let the air out on the tires. Then there's also no lack of launch ramps and no fees in most of San Diego county...what do you guys usually prefer beach or launch ramp?
Finally, I thought about putting a hitch on my Volvo 850, is there a need for a truck if it doesn't have 4WD in the first place?

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

marekli,

I live in LA and have gone out in San Diego Bay a few times. Most ramps there are doable with my setup (ready for this?): 2007 Honda Civic coupe with aftermaket receiver and extended (6 in higher) ball, towing an '81 Hobie 16. I get a few looks from teh other guys on teh ramps every now and then, but hey, a guy's gotta sail. Looking into the beach launches in Long Beach soon as well.

--
Cole
DTLA
'81 H16 Project to Catalina
--

I get looks too. Ready , 1997 Nissan Altima towing a Prindle 18-2

--
Doug Klem
Pensacola , Fl.
Blade F16
Prindle 18-2 w/spin
Prindle 18-2 x 3
Prindle 19 MX
--

PIRATE39

I get looks too. Ready , 1997 Nissan Altima towing a Prindle 18-2

That must look awesome next to the guy with the 30 foot center console towed by the diesel dually.

--
Rob V.
Panama City, FL
--

Lol, try my Mini Cooper S pulling a Hobie miracle 20!
It does great with the aluminum trailer :)
Tim

--
Tim Grover
1996 Hobie Miracle 20
Two Hobie 14's
1983 G-Cat Restored
Memphis TN / North Mississippi
--

especially when I get him off the line . WHAT !!

--
Doug Klem
Pensacola , Fl.
Blade F16
Prindle 18-2 w/spin
Prindle 18-2 x 3
Prindle 19 MX
--

I looked up the NADA guide, the boat's priced quite a bit less than asking price and it's the first model year. On the other hand there's an extra jib and then there's probably not a lot of these available so I might end up waiting longer or have to go with a Hobie 16 or 18ft that seem like they come up quite a bit. Anyway, what are the main price drivers, condition, market, availability, season, age?

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

I look at condition first
You can have a 30 year old boat in great condition and a 5 year old boat that was driven hard and put away wet - so to speak.
After that all the rest fall into a generic category of important, but no wheres near as important as condition. Season will play a part. Come April in the NE and boats jump in price
Availability is a part as well. Hard to find some boats at all, and if you are set on one of those, you will end up paying what the seller wants - if they know the market.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

we haven't taken it for a trial, understandably that only makes sense when I am ready to buy. So from looking I'd say it's worn but functionally ok. The trailer is run down. THe sails have some wear where they cleat into the mast and zipper around the stay but otherwise look ok, no roller furling. Hull is aged, worn but looks ok, a few cracks but they look superficial to the coat, and I could not find a serious soft spot close to the cross bars or anywhere else I looked around for them on the top of the hull. The stays and wiring I could not see much off, it's got a protective (plastic?) layer around and the lines and tramp looked ok but again definitely used quite a bit. Everything has been sitting outside under the weather and that certainly does not help. I'd say it probably does not need serious repair to be funtional but then I am not an expert. I was hoping for a better cosmetic condition...but then if I wait until the season prices may increase too on this type of boat...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Any older boat will need some work.
I now (after the unfortunate demasting) change out the standing rigging on any boat I buy that I do not have intimate knowledge of the rigging age. The coated wires do not make me feel any better either, as it is harder to tell condition.
Sounds like a sailmaker could assist with the sail repairs for a fraction of new sails, and that would get you on the water.
Do you have a friend in the area that you can drag with you that knows cats?
I am now in S Cal for at least the winter and could look at it with you if you need - and if the trip isn't too far. I am not sure where the boat is in relation to Orange County - but I am in central Orange County and am always up for checking on boats
PM me here if you want an assist - always happy to give new cat sailors a push - or just advice
Best

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

I have a crispy P-19 Dacron Smyth jib for $225.00.

--
Peyton Adair
Prindle 18 classic
Hobie 17
Hobie Wave
Wichita KS
--

I have a little differant opinion , I bought a cherry 19 Prindle with all the go fast sails and this is more fun then a riding a greased bull
My way of looking at it was to buy it and take my time learning the characteristics of that boat and always have enough in the way of performance in the bank so as time goes on it will always test me.
I love this boat and find it is a much more forgiving boat than some of the others because of its size.
I can say at this point that I will not get bored with this boat and that was a concern when I was looking at smaller Hobies and Nacras.
I have already hoisted from the deck and successfully flown the shoot solo a few times and loved every minute of it, one thing to practice is always keep the mainsheet in your hand and 99% of the time you can get out of trouble.
So that is my two cents worth !!!!
GO BIG OR STAY AT HOME !

I am still a relative newbie (4 yrs), sailed monohulls since '79, but for what it is worth, the ad indicates "newer wheels" I am assuming beach wheels. These are great for several reasons. When setting up once the mast is up, you can roll the boat around to face the wind for installing sails without fighting the wind. Secondly, it will make breaking down at days end much easier, and also on those days when you don't get in until low tide, you won't damage your hulls getting the boat to the trailer. I have been lucky to sail with a great group of people. We watch out for each other, look over each others boats for possible missed problems, etc. As a newbie to cats, sailing with knowledgeable people, will greatly hasten your learing curve. Not that you will need to keep up with them, but you will learn from the things they do without thinking of mentioning it to you. I would suggest beach launch. I also agree with the mentioned jib furler. A Hobie type furler can be installed without needing to cut your sails, and it is a great way to depower, as going out in up to 10 mph winds, don't mean you will not get caught out in 20+. I have done this with my P18-2. If it don't already have a 6;1 up haul on the rudders, this is something I would recommend, and I am willing to walk you through. Best Wishes!

the newer wheels refer to the trailer, not to the beach (cat trax?) wheels....

I spoke to a few more local sailors the last few days, a couple of them also somewhat familiar with cats and Prindle/Hobies/Nacras...the consensus is going smaller for a beginner maybe 16ft, mostly b/c of the learning curve. Then also scanning the ad market the price does seem a bit high, it's worth around 1500-1800 the condition it is in and depending on how much the buyer is looking for a larger Prindle. It's definitely nothing to brag about cosmetically and I am looking at it as a starter boat that would get me through a season or maybe two before I look for a nicer boat. So ideally I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money to keep it up during that time. I could also store a 16ft in my driveway while a 19ft with 30ft mast means expensive off site storage and I would be somewhat limited in performing maintenance. B/c of family and job access having the boat close to my place to do any maintenance on it is definitely a factor...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Well, after a lot of humming and hawing (did anyone notice???) i ended buying the boat i fell in love with today. We spent half a day going through set up and sailing the boat in fairly light winds in Mission Bay. Nice warm weather and i hopefully will remember most of it when i try to rig the boat in the drive way the next few days. Anyway, thanks to everyone for posting comments and feedback, everyone's angle is very useful. In the end there was some kind of mutual attraction with the boat and me and so i just followed my heart....i'lll post a pics and experiences as things come along and probably will have a lot more questions to follow up with...
Marek

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Quote

In the end there was some kind of mutual attraction with the boat and me

how can you tell when a boat is attracted to you?

Congrats!
lets see some pics when you rig it again

MN3

how can you tell when a boat is attracted to you?

Answer: The battens stiffen up.

--
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
--

if I can find a way to practice rigging dry during the week, I should be able to take the P19 back to MB next weekend for a sail and take a few pics. I will have a very good sailor with me so I am not too worried about the sailing part mostly concerned with the rigging right now... Any particular technical sections anyone can recommend are appreciated. Also, we rigged the boat loosely on the trailer and only tightened the stays after the main was up. Apparently, raising the main after tensioning the stays is very difficult. Also, getting main and jib to clip into the O-rings was a bit of a challenge, so there's definitely some work carved out for me just to set up the boat before actually sailing. Finally, I either have the option of launching it from the ramp and then beaching it next to the ramp to raise main and tension the rigging or launching from the beach (Fiesta island) trailering it into the water using the tow vehicle (no dolly/cat trax yet). If anyone is familiar with San Diego/MB/FiestaIsland and could comment, that would probably be very useful too.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Quote

getting main and jib to clip into the O-rings was a bit of a challenge,

those are tricky at first, even for seasoned cat sailors

Quote

Finally, I either have the option of launching it from the ramp and then beaching it next to the ramp to raise main and tension the rigging or launching from the beach (Fiesta island) trailering it into the water using the tow vehicle

best option (imho) is to step the mast on the trailer and back it down the ramp (mast up), get it to the beach and raise the sails there. check for powerlines at every ramp

if your in salt water - it's not the best for steel trailers, springs and any type of wheels/bearing but can be done in a pinch - i would hose it down asap



Edited by MN3 on Jan 06, 2014 - 11:33 AM.

"if your in salt water - it's not the best for steel trailers, springs and any type of wheels/bearing but can be done in a pinch - i would hose it down asap"

yeah, that part I know well since I already trailer a power boat...I recommend Boeing T9 spray - more expensive than regular anti-corrosives but well worth the money..

Unfortunately while the boat looks in good condition the trailer was not really taken care off too well, so that's the first thing on my list to do the next few days.



Edited by marekli on Jan 06, 2014 - 09:51 AM.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Quote

best option (imho) is to step the mast on the trailer and back it down the ramp (mast up), get it to the beach and raise the sails there. check for powerlines at every ramp

I agree just make sure you still have the boat tied to the trailer and the trailer hooked to the ball or things
could get interesting in a hurry.

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

there's tie down straps and then it's hooked to a winch, so I'd take down the straps before going to the ramp and then the winch hook when it's finally in the water ready to float it off to the beach right next to the launch ramp...at MB De Anza Cove if you launch it right next to the beach it's just a few steps in water to the beach...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Marek

getting main and jib to clip into the O-rings was a bit of a challenge,

MN3

those are tricky at first, even for seasoned cat sailors

20 years of sailing and racing, thought I was fairly seasoned but have no idea of what either of you are talking about. The only "O-Rings" on the boat are around the inspection ports.

Maybe clevis ring?

--
Ron
Nacra F18
Reservoir Sailing Assn.
Brandon, Mississippi
--

thanks Nacra55, having weak memory for terminology and limited sailing experience, I descriptively used the term "O"-ring..... hopefully, that will change as time goes by and folks like you correct me.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

i believe he is referring to :
The unique ring that prindles have (s-hook for the jib) and the standard ring and hook at top of the main halyard

Quote

20 years of sailing and racing, thought I was fairly seasoned but have no idea of what either of you are talking about. The only "O-Rings" on the boat are around the inspection ports.

Maybe clevis ring?

ok, thanks for the update MN3. Speaking of cotter pins and "O-rings"...there's a lot of pins and ring fasteners that I would like to replace with quick release type pins. Is this an option or just not reliable enough or maybe just in certain non-critical locations? If so, which ones would be ok to replace?



Edited by marekli on Jan 07, 2014 - 11:16 AM.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Marek, reference to the 2" SS rings on the main and jib. Make sure when you are first attaching the head of the jib to the forestay for hoisting, that the "opening" of the "S" hook on the jib halyard is "always" facing aft, towards the mast. This is true for all Prindles. This makes it much easier for the "S" hook to lock on to the 2" ring at the top. As far as the main, you probably already know that you have to rotate the mast in order to get the ring to lock as well as unlock the main. The P-19 is a great boat.

Morris

First Cat: Prindle 16 sail #5229
Second Cat: Prindle 16 sail #8647
Current ride: Prindle 19 sail #309

ok, so I have been out in Mission Bay a few times now and kind of got the "first pass" on the boat rigging and sailing including an "almost flip" while tacking in heavier wind yesterday (we got some GoPro footage on that too....lol). Luckily, we managed to right just about the last fraction of a second before we completely flipped over. Thanks again to davidsd who took me out the second time (first was the sale sea trial) and showed me a lot about how to rig the boat. Then also a couple of other experienced Prindle/Hobie owners that offered their help and spent some time talking things thru over the phone. I also purchased a righting bag for that time that hopefully, won't come up too soon.
There's a few things I need to do in the near future:
1. Replace the standing rigging (a few stays look like they have a couple of wires broken, after we removed the plastic...
2. There's some fiberglass work on the hull near the port holes (not sure whether that's the right word...sry if I got that wrong). That's the area that probably gets treaded and sat on the most. There's cracks on both sides of each hull, that initially look like just cracks in the gel coat but now are clearly going all the way through. They are close to the bend which makes me think that simply layering on fiberglass mats may not do the trick since the top is a lot weaker than the side and takes most of the heat from trading. So probably the best thing to do is to try work in some kind of support from the inside of the hull since it's possible to reach to most of the area using the arm.

Anyone have some pointers where to look up for guidance that would be useful.

I'd like to fix the hull first b/c if that doesn't get fixed right the boat may have a more limited life time...

I will post some pics soon but still need to figure out how that works here...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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here's a 5 minute clip of from that last run in Mission Bay, Tuesday Jan. 14 this week. The weather was awesome, winds were a bit of a mixed bag, ranging from 0 - 12 knots. There were times nothing was happening and then times where it picked up pretty hard. At one point we almost flipped, I think it's in the middle of the video, maybe not so noticeable but from where I was sitting on the port side, it looked like the mast was coming right down to bury me within a split second....anyway we righted just in time, after my buddy Shawn had uncleated the main...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/weczc6qugfqo0uf/Mission%20Bay%20Catamaran%20Trip.mp4?n=49534634

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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How is your camera mounted? Always looking for new ideas.

Pete

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

How is your camera mounted?

I like it. You can tell the rudder input by the camera angle.



Edited by redtwin on Jan 17, 2014 - 10:13 PM.

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Rob V.
Panama City, FL
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Quote

is this boat too much for a non-cat sailor?

A bit much for a entry level boat. We have three of them at our club and have done some rescues when they go over with new sailors. We had more problems with these with rigging problems of old rigging failing and folks getting into trouble that way. The illusion of the boat being in very good condition because it is fiberglass comes into play. The rigging is often way past do for replacement. They need to be able to right the boat every time is something to be considered before hoisting the sails and gliding away. My intro to sailing was a mono hull with my father after one day on the boat we took it out solo. We ended up getting towed back,, lol After that I learned a very valueable lesson,, Only sail catamarans without my Dad,

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2007 Nacra F18 Infusion
www.fleet250.org
Facebook: Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club
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it's good to be cautious but that way I might end up spending a few years before I eventually got to a catamaran this size...it's hard to be wise and balance all one's needs at the same time.....but then what are "needs"...and sometimes you just gotta wing it...lol

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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I love my Prindle 19 but am thinking about getting a second cat that may be easier to single hand and raise the mast on. When I initially looked into purchasing my first P19 cat someone suggested going smaller so like a H16 or P16 that still had a jib for maneuverability. I tossed that idea out from the getgo b/c I wanted the ability to sail the ocean. Budget for second boat ~$1,500 and hopefully mast and boat will fit in the driveway. There's a P16 that looks like fun:

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/boa/4702324195.html

Can a Hobie 14 accomodate two sailors?

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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You would not be happy with a H-14. P-16 is the way to go and that red one looks good, but red hulls oxidize quickly unless garaged. I have a white hulled one with brand new tramp & nice sails. Pete pbegle@charter.net

I picked up a P16 with that same 2-tone color, badly oxidized, used 800 grit water-paper to remove oxidization which brought the color back, sealed it with Poliglow, no more oxidization.

http://www.poliglow.net/?…XLhK6xv8ECFQqTaQodor8AhQ

http://www.poliglow-int.com/

yes, I figure the H14 is too small and sailing without a jib probably is not much fun, so H16 or P16 seems the way to go.

How long is the mast on a P16?

Is the mast a lot easier to raise than that of a P18 or P19, possinle even single handed? I definitely need two guys for raising the mast on my P19.



Edited by marekli on Oct 22, 2014 - 07:26 AM.

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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Mast on P-16 is 26' and no spreaders; very easy one person raising. And righting from capsize is one person depending on wind condition & your weight. The boat is 40 #'s lighter than a H-16 & Harkens are standard. Deck hatches allow internal storage. Boom is loose footed so you're carrying a much lighter bagged mainsail. I don't consider The P-16 as a starter boat, but as a starter & a finisher because it's a great single hander, yet carries two very well. Pete

thanks for the info Pete. I already own a P19 that I am happy with, just raising mast single handed does not work and since I don't have mast up storage close to me or affordable I am thinking about getting a second smaller boat that I can do the set up and sail on my own. At 26' the P16's is still a tall mast but should easy to store off the trailer without the spreaders since it would probably be too long for my driveway.

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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I looked at the P16 at MBYC a few days ago, it's a nice boat - not as in good shape as on the pics but with updated rigging it should sail a few seasons...no problems with hull and the sails looked ok.

Having a mast up storage spot for my P19 during the warm season may be a good other option. Oceanside and Dana Point Harbors both have a marina with dry storage close to ramps or hoist and I could practice sailing on the ocean something I really did not get much of a chance to to do the first year with the P19. Wonder what other folks usually pay for cat mast up storage, what are rates in SD area like?

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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I'm paying $60 per month in Santa Cruz for on trailer storage during the winter and on beach storage May-Oct. I was quoted $90 per month in Redwood City for fenced in dry storage near the boat ramp. Which seems high to me because Redwood City has a 2.5 mile channel to traverse before you get to the south end of the SF Bay. It really isn't a prime location in terms of water, but it is in the heart of Silicon Valley.



Edited by ramstadt on Oct 31, 2014 - 08:40 AM.

Here in N Mississippi we pay $200 a year, $25 extra per boat per year. Mast up at the club right next to the ramp and there's a beach right there too. Takes 15 min tops to have the boat rigged and sailing.

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Tim Grover
1996 Hobie Miracle 20
Two Hobie 14's
1983 G-Cat Restored
Memphis TN / North Mississippi
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You mentioned seeing a couple of strands broken on the standing rigging. I strongly suggest that you replace all the shrouds very soon, that's an indication of imminent failure, which would be a big deal if you're sailing offshore. Also, keep a close eye on the fiberglass cracks, if they're expanding at all you're at risk of a big adventure.

If your only issue with the 19 is the mast raising, contact me and I'll send pics of a couple of gin poles I've fabricated inexpensively that make the process easy and safe.

Dave

the rigging has been replaced. I have been testing the cracks from time to time, I think the patching should hold up a few seasons, I put down a few layers of fiberglass. It is sensitive b/c it's the area where you trap and sit so there's quite a bit of weight that also focuses right on the cracks when you trap out.



Edited by marekli on Oct 31, 2014 - 01:52 PM.

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Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
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