I'm interested in A-Cat type of hull and have looked at Nacra 5.0 and H16. I want to hang and go fast solo and may take occasional friend. So what boat should I get? It will be sailed mostly in the Chesapeake Bay. I own a wetsuit, and don't mind the wind. Do I really need dagger boards? Thanks. OH if you have a boat for sale in the Mid Atlantic that fits this requirement. Just let me know. Thanks!
-- Goodsailing
Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area --
An A-cat would be a very bad choice for a beginner. They tend to be very fragile, setup for a relatively light crew and are monsters to sail. They are also expensive as heck.
The 5.0 would be a good choice for you. The H16 will work for you solo but will wallow a bit with 2 on board. If you aren't racing they are both decent choices for you. In my opinion getting a daggerless boat when you are starting is a good idea. You may not be able to point as high as a dagger boat but simple it better when you are learning. There are
enough things to think about at first without adding to it. Try and stick with looking at 16-17 ft boats to start, when buying used condition is everything so look for the nicest boat if your price range.
Wolfman, when you get your boat come sail with us - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HobieFleet32/
We have monthly meetings at the "Ships Cabin" in East Beach, Ocean View, Norfolk - first official event for 2013 is hs the 'Sail the Bay Regatta', 18-19 May.
perhaps the term 'A-Cat' should be defined. a nacra 5.0 or H16 are not A-Cats. A-Cats are very light (165lbs), solo cats with just a main sail. as MN3 pointed out, they're not for a beginner.
i would agree that a nacra 5.0 would be a great choice and would be a good starting point with room to grow and learn. not as prone to pitchpoling as a H16.
j
Even the Hobie 17 is OK for solo driving. Don't be too quick to dump the concept of daggerboards... not hard to learn and makes the boat point nicer into the wind... once you get good at sailing you'll love'm. I single hand a nacra 6.0Na. really cool to see the daggerboards in the air... yeehaaaa!
Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate
Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate
+1
-- Sheet In!
Bob
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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 --
Why start out with a go-cart when you want a car to drive. At 210 lbs and a desire for no boards.... A Prindle 18 would be perfect. Throw on a rolling furler for the jib and you have a boat that will get you out the gate
I want to go fast, and have fun, not cart the family around so wouldn't a go cart be more desirable. There's always the laser for portability so that's a consideration as well. Ground handling the boat solo.
-- Goodsailing
Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area --