just starting again with an Alpha Cat 18 in Vancouver, Washington
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- Rank: Lubber
- Registered: Jun 25, 2010
- Last visit: Jun 09, 2011
- Posts: 5
Posted: Mar 05, 2011 - 11:27 PM
I am looking to restore an Alpha cat 18 that I received from a friend. I am just starting to sail and I cannot find much information on the alpha. I recieved it last summer but got hurt and was out of commission until recently. Any help will be appreciated -
- Rank: Chief
- Registered: Jun 24, 2009
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- Posts: 1555
Posted: Mar 07, 2011 - 03:04 PM
I know it's an early to mid 70s design based roughly on the original Prindles and designed by the people who started Nacra (likely Geoff Prindle). Given that pedegree it is also likely a pretty solid boat! Based on the photos of a couple of Alphas on it looks right sexy also! I also looks about 10 ft wide which means that you should be able to go like a bat out of hell (extra righting leverage). You are unlikely to find stock parts that are specific to the boat for it (i.e. daggerboards, rudders, castings, etc). Things like rudder systems and mast balls etc can be jury rigged from other boats and daggers and rudders can be custom made but that can be expensive.
I would suggest measuring the existing rigging carefully, and replacing it if its original. Most sail shops can help you with that or APS or Murrays online can make custom rigging for you also. You will probably also have to send sails and tramps to a manufacturer when they need replacing.
Other than that make sure it's solid, figure out how to rig it (ask questions with pics here and some of us can help figure it out) and sail it! Looks like a hell of a cool boat!
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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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- Rank: Lubber
- Registered: Apr 14, 2007
- Last visit: Aug 14, 2019
- Posts: 9
Posted: Apr 24, 2011 - 08:01 PM
contact me via e-mail - I pretty much have as much info as you'll get from a myriad of previous posts...
Treat it as a Nacra 5.2 early for almost all parts and rigging.
Mike
corseted@hotmail.com
It is still one of the quickest 18's you can get for low$$ - if you update the sails and renew the rig. If not, be careful, it's old and built lightly. -
- Rank: Lubber
- Registered: Apr 14, 2007
- Last visit: Aug 14, 2019
- Posts: 9
Posted: Apr 24, 2011 - 08:06 PM
Forgot to add - I'm in Sacramento if you ever get down this way. The boat's not near seaworthy, but could offer a beer. -
- Rank: Administrator
- Registered: Jul 19, 2001
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Posted: Apr 26, 2011 - 12:30 PM
nyniaan,
Do you have any good pics or original literature for the Alpha Cats? I don't have much at all in the Alpha Cat album here.
http://www.thebeachcats.c…ictures/?g2_itemId=62011
And if you look in that album there is a boat labeled Alpha Cat 18 that is on a tilt trailer, were they extra wide?
Thanks,
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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