[quote=sjbrit][quote=davefarmer]When we first purchased the ARC 22, the PO had installed a forward crossbeam and net to fill that forward space, as he saw the boat as a cruiser as well. And if that's how you use the boat, fine. But if you plan to ever drive the boat hard in breeze, or have a chance of getting caught out in a building wind, you will quickly discover the downside of the arrangement. The first time we drove the bow under with all that gear up there, it immediately pitchpoled, a thrilling event with a boat this size. We subsequently removed it all, and can now recover quite easily from sticking the bow, as the boat is not slowed so drastically when it goes under. So if you cruise casually in light and moderate conditions, and accept the performance compromises the extra weight of the gear and potentially extra crewmembers extract, it can be great. Do consider using a more open net vs standard tramp material, which creates a bigger windage issue.[/quote]
My SC17 has a triangular forward tramp to eliminate that issue: it runs across the cross beam and tapers to a point at the bridle. Plenty of space for extra gear and foredeck work, and no chance of catching when you dunk a bow. Very nice setup.
In general, I'll add my +1 for the Supercat. I sail in Sarasota Bay so forget about daggerboards: it's just too shallow. For a boardless cat I think the SC hull points really well, and as said, you'll have a hard time pitch-poling it due to the massive bows. It's a beast on a reach - mine is upgraded with ARC17 sails and they really drive it hard. I also have a kite setup which I haven't tried yet but I'm excited to let it fly with an asymmetric up!
Don't underestimate the weight of the mast: it's a breeze to put up with a gin pole, but what a pain the rear! My wife and I can hoist ours up easily without aids, but it's a two person job and it took some practice to get the technique down.
Also: wet - very. Yes, you'll get wet on a cat, but on many cats you stay dry most of the time. The crew is going to get nailed all the time on a SC in a decent blow. Not a big deal in our warm water - in fact it's a nice bonus feature! But you wouldn't catch me on one in cold water.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by sjbrit on May 30, 2017 - 04:58 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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