Bimare 18 HT :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

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Bimare 18 HT

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billv

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 - 11:43 AM

I am considering the purchase of a 2002 Bimare HT 18. Any thoughts or caveats? Thanks in advance. Bill
Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 - 01:51 PM

Nice Boat! What are you using it for? Should still be a competative racer if you are into that. It was ahead of its time in 2002 and should still be a decent racer some of the brand new boats may be a bit faster overall.

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

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 - 02:39 PM

Thanks Dave. I am a recreational sailor, however, I want a powerful, fast boat. I solo most of the time. Anything to be watchful of?

Bill V
coastrat

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Registered: Jul 16, 2009

Last visit: Oct 28, 2014

Posts: 1271
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 - 02:59 PM

uni rigs can be tricky to tack...esp on windy days. the sloop rigs are easier to deal with, the jib is your friend. other wise it looks fast!

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Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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tami

Rank: Mate

Registered: Mar 25, 2002

Last visit: Sep 27, 2012

Posts: 187
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 - 03:41 PM

unirigs are only tricky if you don't know how to tack them.

don't throw the helm over hard, make more of a U-turn, sailing through the tack. Ease the main a bit, I travel down some, just as you reach head to wind getting onto the new tack. Steer down a bit on the new tack, then as you accelerate, head up to the new course and take the main back in
DamonLinkous

Rank: Administrator

Registered: Jul 19, 2001

Last visit: Nov 15, 2024

Posts: 3446
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 06:53 PM

billvThanks Dave. I am a recreational sailor, however, I want a powerful, fast boat. I solo most of the time. Anything to be watchful of?

Bill V

The 18HT fits your list, it's like a big A-Class that also carries a spinnaker. Very lightweight boat with a very tall and light carbon fiber mast, so carefully inspect it because it doesn't take much to damage it.

This is a very high performance high-tech boat that was built to sail two-up (even though it has no jib) so take it slow, it's a boat you can break by making mistakes.

If you want something with a spin that's a little less on the edge try a Nacra F17, or if you don't have to have the spin try a Hobie 17, great single hander if you weight under 180.

Also please fill out your profile (link in left menu) to let members here know your name and where you are located, helps give better answers.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 07:45 PM

I missed the part where you said you would solo a lot. I would probably not suggest getting that boat as a solo boat unless you are very skilled, brave and heavy!

I second Damon's advice. An F17 (FxOne, Nacra or other) or H17 would be pretty much idea. Other options are the Nacra 5.0/500 and 5.7/570 which are relatively easy to solo. Don't get me wrong I solo my Nacra 5.2 with boom,jib and boards all the time but given a choice I would probably have opted for one of the other boats I mentioned.

If you do get the Bimare chances are you will have the coolest toy on you block! :)

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

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 08:28 PM

What type of damage do I need to be aware of? I am unfamiliar with Carbon materials. The Boat is a 2002.
Thanks, Bill
DamonLinkous

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Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 09:28 PM

billvWhat type of damage do I need to be aware of? I am unfamiliar with Carbon materials. The Boat is a 2002.
Thanks, Bill

On the hulls it's the same as any fiberglass boat, check for soft spots, cracks, or old repairs. Just keep in mind this boat was designed to be the fastest 18 foot boat available (F18HT the HT stands for High Tech) and is over 100 pounds lighter than the F18 class, so everything on the boat is designed to be as light as possible and "just strong enough" to do it's job.

That doesn't leave any leeway for things like banging it on the trailer, collisions, or abuse.

The carbon mast is the same way, it's the lightest/thinnest section I've ever seen short of an A-Class cat, and the boat carries a chute.

It's very possible to break the mast simply by dropping it while stepping, the most common damage is probably down under spinnaker, remember catamarans don't have backstays for support, so the main blocks do that job, if the main is traveled out while under spin, (or the boat is sailed under spin alone) that can break the mast.

So inspect the mast closely for signs of broken fibers or repairs.

Don't let any of that scare you, I would love to have an F18HT Bimare Javelin, here's a pic of one raced by Randy Smyth at the 2003 Slip to Ship (Ocean Springs, MS) sitting next to a Hobie 20.

Everything about it seems delicate and high-strung, but I think they have actually proven fairly durable when not abused.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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billv

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 11:36 PM

Thanks to all of You. I am very encouraged,at last a site where I can obtain Honest, First hand knowledge.
Bill Van Houten.
TylerH

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 31, 2010

Last visit: Jun 21, 2017

Posts: 280
Posted: Oct 14, 2010 - 12:07 AM

Here is a video of Bimare 18 HT,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2czD8xQkpAM

It's a sailor from OSYC.

edited by: TylerH, Oct 13, 2010 - 11:07 PM

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Tyler holmes
Panama city, FL

Boat whore
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waylerindy78

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Oct 18, 2010

Last visit: Nov 07, 2010

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 18, 2010 - 11:21 PM

just purchased 2003 Ht18 bimare from Southampton, was on beach unsailed for 3 yrs,had some running rigging situations unsolveed- in particular as set up mast had approx 10-12 degrees rake, the forestays had approx 12 " of high tensile line at end of wire joining to hulls, there were no stainless adjustment plates on side stays, which seemed to short , only sailed the boat 1 day, the main halyard broke on first mainsail raise, the weather helm was strong with that mast rake and it was definitely difficult to tack, have never owned cat rigged catamaran before
am awaiting set up CD from bimare before taking boat out again,
have owned Solcat 18,H18 Hobie and still own Miracle 20, so far it seems that at 6'2" 215 I can sail this boat solo in 15-17 mph winds based on sailing 2 hours first day in 1-13 mph, mild whitecaps on brqackish water in Currituck Sound ( Outer Banks area)
nay comments from current HT18 owners appreciated

WolfmanI missed the part where you said you would solo a lot. I would probably not suggest getting that boat as a solo boat unless you are very skilled, brave and heavy!

I second Damon's advice. An F17 (FxOne, Nacra or other) or H17 would be pretty much idea. Other options are the Nacra 5.0/500 and 5.7/570 which are relatively easy to solo. Don't get me wrong I solo my Nacra 5.2 with boom,jib and boards all the time but given a choice I would probably have opted for one of the other boats I mentioned.

If you do get the Bimare chances are you will have the coolest toy on you block! :)
TylerH

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 31, 2010

Last visit: Jun 21, 2017

Posts: 280
Posted: Oct 19, 2010 - 12:10 AM

Congratulation's on your new toy.

Edited by TylerH on Oct 18, 2010 - 10:32 PM.

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Tyler holmes
Panama city, FL

Boat whore
--
tami

Rank: Mate

Registered: Mar 25, 2002

Last visit: Sep 27, 2012

Posts: 187
Posted: Oct 19, 2010 - 09:52 AM

There should be no chainplates on any standing rigging, high modulus lines are used instead for both forestays and shrouds. Small diameter dyneema type stuff.

You're certainly large enough to solo the boat. See my comment above for tacking tips.

Rake will depend on your sailing style and weight - it's easy enough to adjust. Start with mast more forward if you don't like your settings.
coastrat

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jul 16, 2009

Last visit: Oct 28, 2014

Posts: 1271
Posted: Oct 19, 2010 - 11:24 AM

sunday i saw the guy and his young daughter(from the video tyler posted) sailing his bimare on biloxi bay. winds were not even 10kts and he was screaming! i mean real fast...he caught us in no time, mind you there was 3 adults on my '79 p-16 and we were in full happy hour cruising mode. he was sailing like he new exactly what he was doing and his daughter had it down also. impressive boat! when you get it tuned in and get the hang of it, you should race it because its real fast! you can't coach speed but you can buy a fast boat and you did! congrads!

--
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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billv

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 19, 2010 - 08:19 PM

Congratulations waylerindy78. I called on that boat right after you bought it. I hope you made a good deal! I am working on another
Bimare 18 HT. If I get it, I may contact you for Help. Enjoy!
TylerH

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 31, 2010

Last visit: Jun 21, 2017

Posts: 280
Posted: Oct 19, 2010 - 10:11 PM

The Bimare 18 HT is a speed demon, of course...NOTHING compares to a Nacra in speed.

--
Tyler holmes
Panama city, FL

Boat whore
--
davefarmer

Rank: Mate

Registered: Oct 26, 2002

Last visit: Sep 23, 2019

Posts: 390
Posted: Oct 22, 2010 - 05:13 PM

I have a 2002 HT, which I love. I do solo it a quite a bit, but I'm overpowered in anything over 12 kts of wind. Very fine bows mean keeping crew weight well aft downwind. I have footstraps mounted to the hulls aft of the rear beam, and I'm in them when solo downwind. I'm usually on the hull at the rear beam with crew straddling me, one foot forward of me, one in the strap, when 2 up. I'm 6', 160 lbs, and I use an extended SoloRight to pop her up solo. All prior comments about treating her with care because of the lightweight construction are apt. Be very cautious when sailing overpowered, one up or two, this boat requires skill and respect. Tami's notes on tacking are very good, I rarely blow a tack, it's easily turned when done properly. Enjoy!

Dave
waylerindy78

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Oct 18, 2010

Last visit: Nov 07, 2010

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 24, 2010 - 02:41 PM

billvCongratulations waylerindy78. I called on that boat right after you bought it. I hope you made a good deal! I am working on another
Bimare 18 HT. If I get it, I may contact you for Help. Enjoy!

have you sailed one of these yet ?
billv

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 05, 2010

Last visit: Jan 25, 2011

Posts: 8
Posted: Oct 24, 2010 - 08:55 PM

I have not. I made an offer on a F18HT today. I hope I did not make a mistake. It wont be the first.
How are you doing with your new Toy?