New guy just checking in. You'll see me poking around some and honesty making myself look like a tard asking a bunch of noobie questions. A little info about me; New to sailing, not new to the water. I'm 32 years old, live on east coast(OBX/Virginia), and have had a bunch of offshore power boats but no sailboats before. I love ANYTHING that has to do with the ocean or anything with water really. Advanced Certified Diver with various different PADI/SSI certifications, Surfing, Paddle boarding, Boating, Free Diving, Spearfishing, Wake boarding, and more. If its wet, I'm all about it.

My goals; To learn how to sail and to eventually move up to a big cat(35-50ish/ft) sailboat for travel. But for now I'll stick to the play boat with low overhead, and something that is a little more nimble and has more of a "fun factor" to it. From a basic search I've learned the 19-20ft cats are more of a racing boat but I'll be sailing in open ocean waters (non solo) and prefer the longer length. I will be pulling the boat up on the beach... on the sand and not sure if that really matters, but my goal is to pick up a used Nacra or Prindle for my purchase by spring. My eyes are peeled for a deal now locally, but I'll be full bore looking whole east coast for a deal come Jan-feb. Budget is pretty much $3-$5k. I may look into something with some minor hull damage as I'm knowledgeable in the area of working with West System, Polyester, and Vinylester resins. I have a few friends that sail big boats regularly and are awaiting my purchase to show me the ropes.

I will appreciate any insight,info,or lending advice you're willing to give my way. I'm all ears and like I say..... I'm the new one here.



Edited by jebsurf on Nov 07, 2016 - 11:06 AM.

JebSurf, Welcome to TheBeachcats.com!

You sound like just the kind of young blood we need in the sport, and you live in a great area.

The key to getting started is to get started! Most of us didn't start with any scientific method to selecting our first beachcat, we bought one that appeared in front of us and in our price range. Your price range give you a lot of options.

Which beach do you think you would be pulling your boat onto?

How much total weight onboard when sailing "non-solo"?

With that we can help you out and maybe find you some local boats to get a ride to learn more.

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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Thank you for the reply. I will be in Chesapeake Bay, right under the the CBBT on chicks beach. I called the city and they actually told me I could leave my boat there on the beach during the summer time which I'll probably do. As for weight, I'm 230'ish/lbs, my sailing partner...250lbs, and the wife...130lbs but she won't be with us that much. Honestly....once I learn the ropes, she'll probably be with me most of the time instead of the 250lb partner for the most part. I won't be getting into racing as much as just learning the ropes and basic concept of sailing. Just figure I can get into this hobby for a few grand VS buying a boat for $5k then it has to stay in the water which at 8-$10 a ft per month, which I'll be upwards of $3k+ each year just in slip fee's alone that is up in smoke. 2 years I'll be in slip fee's for $6,000 that is up in smoke and is a total loss.

I've bought a few sailboats, and always wish I had spent more time checking out what I was buying before pulling the trigger. It seems like they all have issues that are not apparent until after it gets home to your driveway. The upshot is that you learn a lot about boats in the process, but some things like sails and trampolines can be expensive to replace. I've also learned that sailing beachcats requires a good life jacket and VHF. It's amazing how many things can go wrong. I used to not sail with a VHF, but since I got one, I feel so much safer out there. You are going to have tons of fun with your beachcat! Happy searching!

I spent this summer getting back into Beachcat sailing and I am so glad I did. After not sailing anything other than rentals on vacation for nearly 20 years I finally broke down this year and decided now is the time. I have already thrown myself back in the mix at several local regattas and had a blast meeting so many new people whom all have 1 thing in common. A Love for Sailing. I have been on this site many a time but this is my first time checking out some of the forums and it is nice to have a spot for people to bounce ideas and opinions of each other. Thanks Beachcats.com!!

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Pete
2001 NACRA 450 SOLD
2000 NACRA 500 TOTAL LOSS
2004 NACRA INTER 20 SOLD
2016 NACRA 500 Sport
DeLand, FL
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