Best way to start catamaran sailing and teach my kids :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

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Best way to start catamaran sailing and teach my kids

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Andinista

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 18, 2003

Last visit: Dec 13, 2023

Posts: 880
Posted: Aug 29, 2018 - 02:44 PM

dgoodwyn@ Andinista:

Thank you for your thorough response. I do like speed - it is fun. My crew will be my wife and 2 kids (ages 3 and 6). I grew up sailing at that age and that set me up with a life long passion. My issue with a monohul is that outside of a sunfish or laser I don't know of any that I can beach launch.. where as the cats seem to be designed to do that with trailer additions like the beach trax that just make it easy. I find a sunfish or laser too small to effectively teach on.. I don't think a 420 or 470 as beach launchable.. am I wrong?

The only issue I have with the SKEG hull would be it's ability to point into the wind.. I know that is an issue with cats in general and I feel that a SKEG will only amplifiy that issue - am I correct here?

I love to plain and play the waves on monohulls.. but I'm willing to forgo that for a boat that I can launch anywhere.. form a beach or a campsite on a lake. Where I live in S. Louisiana there are almost no sailboat friendly launches and when we do go to the beach in the Florida Panhandle or on an annual trip to San Carlos mexico, a beach launchable option is all that I'll have.

David

420 and 470 can have a dolly and trailer that make them more beach launchable than a 16 or 18 ft catamaran in my opinion. But they are probably still a bit small for the family and maybe not stable enough for two kids the age or yours. A catamaran is more stable in light to moderate wind, just make sure to know how to avoid pitchpole.

I googled a bit and found the Laser Bahia, that's the kind of monohull I had in mind, bigger than 470 but more family oriented. It's not clear to me that they are less beach launchable than a cat. Compare weights, find out if somebody makes a dolly and you should be fine. Compared to a cat, it´s probably easier to rig, bearing in mind that catamaran masts are longer.

That said, I'm sure you would love to sail on N500 or N570. Just don't push the limits with the kids on board and enjoy singlehanding at warp speed... If you will be sailing with all the family most of the time, probably a Hobie Getaway is a safer bet.
Andinista

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 18, 2003

Last visit: Dec 13, 2023

Posts: 880
Posted: Aug 29, 2018 - 04:08 PM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QwEnyFT5BDg
saltlife77

Rank: Mate

Registered: Feb 10, 2016

Last visit: Jun 08, 2024

Posts: 197
Posted: Aug 29, 2018 - 04:37 PM

Guess everyone's opinion of beach launch is different. Mine includes waves....Catamaran is best choice!!

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

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 18, 2003

Last visit: Dec 13, 2023

Posts: 880
Posted: Aug 29, 2018 - 06:26 PM

saltlife77Guess everyone's opinion of beach launch is different. Mine includes waves....Catamaran is best choice!!

True. Maybe not for 3 years old kid though.
If wind drops it becomes less manageable, make sure to consider that scenario. (I learned the hard way...)
mattson

Rank: Online Pioneer

Registered: Apr 23, 2002

Last visit: Feb 18, 2022

Posts: 211
Posted: Aug 30, 2018 - 11:24 AM

I've had both the H16 and H18. For what you describe, I think the H16 would fit your needs and be way easier to rig and move around than the H18.

Just one thing on the age of the kids.... I belong to a yacht club where I pay monthly dues to use the boats. I took my 3 and 5 year old grandkids and their parents out on a Catalina 27. The 3 year old was over it about 100 feet from the slip, and the 5 year old was ready to go home 15 minutes later, just as I cleared the break wall. We did encounter a sea lion ripping up a big fish for lunch, so that garnered some interest. Otherwise, I cut the sail short as they just were not into it at all. I loved boats as a kid. Today, there's a lot of competition with the sensory overload of the electronic toys and gadgets.

Your mileage may vary greatly, and it will be on a faster boat. Just throwing it out there as my experience did not meet my expectations at all.

--
Bill Mattson
Prindle 19 "Gelli Bean"
Prindle 19 "Cat's Pajamas"
Nacra 5.2 (Will sail her a bit and let her name herself)
--
tominpa

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 29, 2015

Last visit: Dec 12, 2024

Posts: 594
Posted: Aug 30, 2018 - 01:33 PM

The stability of a NACRA 5.7 / 570 compared to a Hobie or Prindle 16 should not be overlooked. The 5.7 can handle rougher water and higher winds, and still sail circles around the Hobie. There is no top-deck on a NACRA, so the hulls can be buried at speed and it will not pitchpole. Try that with a Hobie or Prindle, and you will end up upside-down. All three of these boats are considered skegg hulls and the lack of centerboards is great for on and off the beach. The 5.7 is outpointed by most monohulls but it doesn't give up much to the centerboard cats. I sail on the same points as a H18, and the two boats are competitive in performance to the point it mostly comes down to the person running the tiller and sail trim.

Get beach wheels! The newer foam core boats have reinforced skegs, and apparently you can even get replaceable skegg shoes from NACRA, but moving a 5.7/570 on the beach is not fun without the wheels. There is no lip on top of the hulls to grab and lift, and you don't really want to pull this thing around by the dolphin striker.

--
Tom
NACRA 5.7 (1984 Sail 181)
Pennsylvania
--
dgoodwyn

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 16, 2018

Last visit: Aug 30, 2018

Posts: 6
Posted: Aug 30, 2018 - 03:20 PM

Thank you Tom!
jalex

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 08, 2013

Last visit: Oct 02, 2023

Posts: 508
Posted: Aug 30, 2018 - 04:16 PM

I really like 420's and 470's, sailed them as a teen and launched them off the beach frequently as that was what was available. Centerboard was always an issue but we made do. They are at least 100lbs lighter so that's something. There is just no comparison on what the cat offers as far as space for a 16-18 foot boat. The 8ft beam(or near that) is useable space for almost 50% of the length of the boat, a 470 I think is 5 feet at midships and quickly tapers. Tramps are very relaxing when sailing and also great for lounging when you hit the beach.
saltlife77

Rank: Mate

Registered: Feb 10, 2016

Last visit: Jun 08, 2024

Posts: 197
Posted: Aug 31, 2018 - 09:29 AM

QuoteTrue. Maybe not for 3 years old kid though.
If wind drops it becomes less manageable, make sure to consider that scenario. (I learned the hard way...)

Understood...Except I first started sailing/racing Catamaran's with my Dad at 3yrs old. Guess I am Biased!!

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

Rank: Mate

Registered: Nov 18, 2005

Last visit: Apr 19, 2024

Posts: 236
Posted: Aug 31, 2018 - 01:51 PM

No offence to the Hobies (I still own one) but when this discussion starts, few folks want to talk about the 'modern' boats out there today. My F16s weigh 245#s all up. Put that on wheels and you'll be the envy of the beach.

--
dk

Blade F-16
Hobie 14
Corsair F-242
Mirage 25 (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
TomCat 6.2 (Sold)
--
jalex

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 08, 2013

Last visit: Oct 02, 2023

Posts: 508
Posted: Aug 31, 2018 - 04:01 PM

How are they for a cat newbie? How is their durability? Can they hit an oyster bar full speed and make it home? I always figured those issues plus price kept them off the rookie market.
martyr

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 01, 2016

Last visit: Aug 30, 2023

Posts: 631
Posted: Sep 01, 2018 - 01:05 AM

A Hobie 16 is a proven design, is easy to rig, and can be cruised around as well as haul butt. I have had lots of weight on mine as far as people go, adults, kids, a mix of the two and just tamed the boat down a bit and cruised around. It is understandable that most will advise whatever boat they sail when asked the, "what is the best boat for me" question, and there is nothing wrong with that. I won't say that the H16 is the best choice for your needs, but it is a great boat, obviously, they've been making them since what, 1971? The H16 offers a little bit of a drier ride also since it has a raised trampoline, and if you avoid the mesh tramps and have a solid trampoline. Whatever cat you choose, of course you would want to learn to sail the boat and see how it handles before taking small children out on it for sure, but I'm sure you know that.
Whatever you decide, Happy Sailing to ya!!!!

--
Marty
1984 Hobie 16 Redline Yellow Nationals, "Yellow Fever"
Opelika, Al / Lake Martin
--
dssaak

Rank: Mate

Registered: Nov 18, 2005

Last visit: Apr 19, 2024

Posts: 236
Posted: Sep 04, 2018 - 07:02 PM

One of my F16s has Kevlar bottoms. I am not sure that means I can play demolition derby with it but neither boat seems any less capable than my H14. Before the rigging time comes up again, I can rig main only, main and jib or main, jib & spinnaker. Main only, my F16 is ready as fast as my H14. I will say sailing main with spinnaker and hiked out on the wire is a hoot. You won't get that on a H16 ... no offence; just a different type of cat sailing.

--
dk

Blade F-16
Hobie 14
Corsair F-242
Mirage 25 (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
Hobie Tiger (Sold)
TomCat 6.2 (Sold)
--
jalex

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 08, 2013

Last visit: Oct 02, 2023

Posts: 508
Posted: Sep 05, 2018 - 11:51 AM

Biggest down side to the more modern hull design is once you sail one, a Hobie 16 feels like a bath tub.

I think price plays a big part in it, a used F16 is probably 7k? Plus they don't sell super quick. You can get an H16 or H18 for 2k, decided you hate and want to take up bowling, and sell it your neighbor for a small loss. Or decided you love it, sell it for a small loss and get an F16. I think a lot of people buy cats that end up sitting in the driveway, better to find that out early and cheaply.
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: Dec 04, 2024

Posts: 7090
Posted: Sep 05, 2018 - 12:15 PM

Quote I will say sailing main with spinnaker and hiked out on the wire is a hoot. You won't get that on a H16

why won't he get do this on a h16?

Edited by MN3 on Sep 05, 2018 - 05:45 PM.
randii

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 08, 2017

Last visit: Oct 29, 2019

Posts: 139
Posted: Sep 05, 2018 - 01:35 PM

Sure, price matters... and if you want to hook a new sailor, speed-to-rig matters almost as much as indestructability. Low price, high durability, and high simplicity all factor in.

Once you get sailors 'into' the swing of things, put them on the wire on a more recently designed boat and you'll set that hook for life. My 2003 Tiger is a blast, but my 1982 H18 with upgraded sails is a whole lotta fun as well... complexity vs. simplicity is the biggest difference.

Randii