New Beach Cat sailer in need of some buying advice

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bradinjax

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Posts: 226
Posted: Aug 18, 2021 - 09:05 AM

remedyThanks Bill & Damon!

I’m keeping my options open and based on previos advise. While the Dart 18 is still not off the table, I’m also refining my search to a P18, 18-2, or a H18. I will be trailering and setting up each time so if any one has any further advice on these 3 boats that might help me like ease of setup, parts availability, and any other considerations. I’m all ears and grateful for your advice.

All of those boats are a more complex setup than the Dart. The H18 is by far the easiest to find parts for and with wings has lots of space for 3 or 4 people. 2 experienced people can set up a H18 trailer to water in 30 mins or so.
geepaks

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Registered: Jul 05, 2018

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Posted: Aug 18, 2021 - 09:23 AM

Agree with previous poster ->> H18
MN3

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Posted: Aug 18, 2021 - 01:23 PM

ok - here is my 2 cents

pretty much everyone is right

the law changed about a decade ago, previous to that IN FLORIDA, non powered sailboats 16' - 20' weren't required TO BE REGISTERED - (BUT STILL REQUIRED title)
and sailors said - "why pay taxes on a title, if i don't even need reg #'s??? - and NO ONE PAYED
so when people sell these legacy boats they have no paper work

law changed and now 16" and up (with exceptions of canoes, kayaks, and racing shells, and RACE ONLY boats) are exempt

BUT SO FAR NO ONE HAS EVER GOTTEN PULLED OVER OR TICKETED as far as i have ever heard

IF you are concerned about the POSSIBILITY of a ticket, you may want to avoid a boat without papers
this will make it MUCH MUCH harder in fl to find a beach cat - but i am sure there are some. i have friends who have the papers (still down't pay to register it)

I DONT have titles on either boat, but i was somehow able to ACTUALLY register both my cats (with bill of sale, and i payed the FULL sales taxes) because i am that kinda guy. It took me a decade to finally get a teller in the DMV to do it, she said she could i said OK, her supervisor said NO, but the teller somehow proved to the supervisor it was ok)
I didn't apply numbers to my hulls and i let it expire but I wanted to make sure i could, in case i EVER was told i have to... and i thought it would make selling easier.
remedy

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Posted: Aug 18, 2021 - 01:53 PM

MN3,
Thank you so much for all the information. That really puts things in perspective for me. I'm also looking at this from a resale value standpoint but if so many beach cats don't have titles, then I guess it's mostly a level playing field.
charlescarlis

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Posts: 598
Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 08:19 AM

Keep in mind that your market for resale is more than Florida, but most likely to be drawn from there. Here in Texas, a boat is pretty much worthless without a title for resale. Trailers are easy to get titled (different process). Having said that, I know of many beachcats that aren't titled around here being sailed. Yeah, you have to wait for one with a title but if it's a popular model you're after you'll likely find one with patience (say 2-3 months).

--
Chuck C
NACRA 500 Mk2
Hobie 21se (sold)
--
remedy

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Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 09:07 AM

charlescarlisKeep in mind that your market for resale is more than Florida, but most likely to be drawn from there. Here in Texas, a boat is pretty much worthless without a title for resale. Trailers are easy to get titled (different process). Having said that, I know of many beachcats that aren't titled around here being sailed. Yeah, you have to wait for one with a title but if it's a popular model you're after you'll likely find one with patience (say 2-3 months).

Thanks Chuck!

If any of you guys hear or know of anyone selling any of the following beachcats with a title, please point me to them.
-Nacra 5.7
-Prindle 18-2
-Hobie 18
-Prindle 18

Also, I'm all ears if any of you think that any of these boats might not fit my typical use case of trailering and setup each time with 3 total people onboard. I'm also open to other boat suggestions that might meet my needs without going too big. I want to be able to right a capsized boat on my own if I'm solo (I'm 5'8" and about 170lbs). I also forgot to mention that my sailing experience involves sailing a 43ft. monohull that we owned (lost during hurricane Irma) and a few times having rented Hobie Waves and Getaways. I hold a USCG OUPV license and have been around boats for over 40 years. Thanks again guys!
geepaks

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Posts: 63
Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 11:44 AM

Classified ads on this site and facebook -> Beachcat Marketplace - North America
rattlenhum

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Posts: 426
Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 11:57 AM

remedy:

In Mississippi, a 16-18 foot beachcat is supposed to be registered with the Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (not a DMV thing). All that's needed is a bill of sale, and it's pretty straightforward (but a lot of people don't do it). Titling is optional....I assume owners of expensive powerboats with big motors might do that in case of theft.

Only a bill of sale is required to register (get a license tag for) a small trailer as well. I don't know what if any provisions there are for titling trailers.

I write all this because I know of two Prindle 18-2s for sale here. Don't have any details on condition, pricing, or legal paperwork, but PM me if that interests you, and I'll reply with names/numbers/locations.

--
Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16
Clinton, Mississippi
--
saltlife77

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Posts: 197
Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 12:10 PM

Of the 4 boats in consideration you would be very pleased with the NACRA 5.7. Boom Less and Board Less. Super easy set up and can carry 3-4 people when needed. There is a pretty nice one for sale on this site if you don't mind driving to RI. I drove from FL to TX to pick up my last Cat. Just Sayin....

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

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Posted: Aug 19, 2021 - 12:28 PM

Thanks Jerome! PM sent.

Pete, thanks for info on the Nacra 5.7. The one in RI is "pick up only" and further than I care/can travel right now. Otherwise, I would jump on it. For the reasons you mentioned, the Nacra does seem like a great option for me.
remedy

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Posted: Aug 25, 2021 - 11:46 AM

I took a look at a H20 last night. It was at the top end of my budget and it had cracks on the edges of both rudders and dagger boards so I walked. Any thoughts on an H20 as a boat to start on for a newcomer to beachcats like myself? Looking at the numbers it seems like the H20 has very powerful sail plan. Too powerful maybe?
MN3

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Posted: Aug 25, 2021 - 03:28 PM

another option is get a big boat and get a set of high wind sails and use them to learn

i have a 6.0 and 5.5 and swap between f18 sails, 6.0 and tornado sails, 5.5 and 6.0 jibs depending on the wind and my desire to work out (solo sheeting all day)

I don't even have trap wires at this time - i have wings so i don't need them but i sure miss the back stretch i get after 30 min on the wire. I think i will run a dynema line to trap off a wing in the fall when the weather gets better

Edited by MN3 on Aug 25, 2021 - 03:32 PM.
MN3

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Posted: Aug 25, 2021 - 03:34 PM

Quote want to be able to right a capsized boat on my own if I'm solo (I'm 5'8" and about 170lbs). I also forgot to mention that my sailing experience involves sailing a 43ft. monohull that we owned (lost during hurricane Irma) and a few times having rented Hobie Waves and Getaways. I hold a USCG OUPV license

a righting bag + an anchor + the right technique and you can right a 20' cat
remedy

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Posted: Aug 25, 2021 - 03:40 PM

MN3another option is get a big boat and get a set of high wind sails and use them to learn

i have a 6.0 and 5.5 and swap between f18 sails, 6.0 and tornado sails, 5.5 and 6.0 jibs depending on the wind and my desire to work out (solo sheeting all day)

Thanks. That sounds like a great option.
remedy

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Posted: Aug 25, 2021 - 03:44 PM

[quote=MN3]
Quote
texastuma

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Posts: 415
Posted: Nov 10, 2021 - 10:01 AM

remedyHi everyone,

I'm looking at getting into beach cat sailing and after searching for a couple of months, I need some advice... I live in Florida and the state requires any vessel over 16ft to be registered. While I understand that most folks will not register their beach cats, It's surprising to me that all the boats I've inquired about (under $4,000) the owners don't have a title. Have I set my expectation too high?

In addition, I have been looking at a nice Dart 18 with no title and no HIN#. Should I stay away if it doesn't have a HIN?

Also, I have read that the Dart 18 does not perform well with the original sail plan in light winds but if you change the jib for a Hobie 16 jib there will be a significant light wind performance improvement. Can anyone confirm this for me and advise on any draw-backs?

Thank you all in advance!

I would recommend the P16 or P18. Their freeboard and hull design will be more comfortable with chop when the wind picks up. I have heard the dart is underpowered, but that may work out when the wind picks up. You will be able to find spare parts for the Prindle easier than the Dart. Grabbing a boat with a title makes life much easier. But, bradinjax is correct, it really depends on where you are sailing also.

--
Scott

Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC

Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
Nacra 5.8
Tornadoes (Reg White)
--
tominpa

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Posts: 594
Posted: Nov 10, 2021 - 06:40 PM

We have a member that is selling a Nacra 5.7 with jib roller furling and, including beach wheels and trailer in Pensacola FL. I have owned mine since 1986. This boat is nearly bombproof as a beachcat. Easy to sail, plenty of size for the family and very fast and stable. You couldn't find a better start. https://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/catamarans-for-sale/p17395-1984-nacra-5-7.html

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

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Posts: 1
Posted: Nov 11, 2021 - 11:09 AM

I had a parks and game guy come out to my boat to verify the vin when I got my first boat 6 years ago in FL because it had previously been titled. He pulled out the lawbook and looked at the contradictory laws. One says anything over 16 feet has to be registered, the other that only motorized vessels have to be registered.

He said if it doesn't have a motor then we don't touch it. One guys opinion. I transferred the title to my name but no one I know ever registers these things. Only place I've heard beach cats being hassled about registration was down near miami.

Basically nothing you find will have a title. Don't worry about the trailer either if it doesn't have the registration with it. Just walk in and say you have a homebuilt trailer that weighs 400lbs and they will give you a new registration. Or you can say it's an old trailer and the registration was lost and they will reregister it as a home built anyway. Your choice. They don't really care, they just want their yearly tax money.

Cool thing is sometimes they click the wrong button or type something wrong, and in my case on the state website when I went to reregister my homebuilt trailer it says that I was registering my homebuilt TANK, lol
Edchris177

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Posted: Nov 11, 2021 - 04:14 PM

Quotehttps://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/catamarans-for-sale/p17395-1984-nacra-5-7.html

That boat is overpriced. Really good condition, maybe- with 4 ports added, something was wrong or broken.

QuoteCool thing is sometimes they click the wrong button or type something wrong, and in my case on the state website when I went to reregister my homebuilt trailer it says that I was registering my homebuilt TANK, lol

No question on armament?

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--
rungi

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Posts: 152
Posted: Nov 13, 2021 - 05:06 PM

QuoteThat boat is overpriced. Really good condition, maybe- with 4 ports added, something was wrong or broken

I know you know a lot about this boat but, please don't make up something out of your ass.
There is nothing wrong or broken. Why make something up? This is a good deal and one of the best boats you can buy. Edchris know a lot about these kind of boats and has provided a lot of good information here but not sure why he decided to make that post.

The boat is in good condition and there is nothing wrong with it. A forth port is not needed the compass could be removed if you need to access the hull. It would be foolish to add another port for no reason.

https://drive.google.com/…9b5SAZJ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/…hOpGXOa/view?usp=sharing

Edited by rungi on Nov 13, 2021 - 05:43 PM.