2001 Escape Playcat (don't make fun of me!) :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

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2001 Escape Playcat (don't make fun of me!)

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c9reeves

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 24, 2008

Last visit: Aug 08, 2008

Posts: 24
Posted: Jul 24, 2008 - 09:46 PM

Hi,

I'm certain I might be labeled a heretic for saying this, considering the overwhelming chatter about Hobie, Nacra, Prindle, etc., but I recently purchased a 2001 Escape Playcat. I hadn't even heard of the company until I went to the store and bought the thing. It seemed comparable to the Hobie Wave, and while it is a 2001, it had never even been put together. All in all, I got a brand new cat for $2000.00. I couldn't pass it up. I'm a new sailor; I sailed a couple of times on a Hobie Wave on my honeymoon, so I wanted something simple. Feel free to ridicule my choice in boats, but really I'm looking for some help and guidance.

As Escape has been bought out by Johnson Outdoors and then shutdown, there isn't a lot of information about the Playcat. I'm looking for general information in addition to the following:

1. Does anyone know if there exists any accessories for this cat? I really like the wing seats for the getaway and/or the backrests for the Wave. If no parts exist, does anyone have any guidance on making custom backrests, etc?

2. Does anyone else out there know someone who still sails a playcat? Any pointers? If you're unfamiliar with the model, its a kind of hybrid between the getaway and the wave.

Stats:
16'7" x 7'8" (same as getaway)
weight: 290 lbs.
Mast height: 25'
Trampoline: 1, (one piece), square feet almost exact same as Hobie Wave.
One main sail, no jib.

http://www.cat-alist.com/headlines/playcat.htm
this link will direct you to a dated boatshow, but it gives some information

http://www.morrellimelvin…RACE.php?WEBYEP_DI=20011
this is the boat designer along with more information

So, it's the dimensions of the getaway, but the seating area of a Wave... I just want to kind of trick it out a bit and make it more comfortable with some backrests or wings.

Any thoughts?

edited by: c9reeves, Jul 24, 2008 - 10:00 PM
DamonLinkous

Rank: Administrator

Registered: Jul 19, 2001

Last visit: Nov 15, 2024

Posts: 3446
Posted: Jul 25, 2008 - 02:59 PM

Superman,

There are no beachcat heretics here! TheBeachcats.com is a brand agnostic site. Sure most people like and advocate the brand/model they happen to own, but remember that most people have the boat they do, not because of extensive research, trials, and unlimited resources, but because that's the one they happen to find available for the money they had to spend at the time.

Enjoy your Playcat, please take pictures of the assembly and rigging to help the next Playcat owner who shows up here. Put the assembly and rigging pictures in the "Beachcats Technical" album and general pictures in "Beachcats Identification", I don't think there is a Playcat album there yet.

Have fun,

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
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mpalmieri

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 10, 2005

Last visit: Jul 26, 2008

Posts: 4
Posted: Jul 26, 2008 - 12:26 AM

It sounds like you got a smoking deal for $2k. Where did you buy it? The designers are the very ones that created the "Play Station" record-setting catamaran. Nacra has purchased the boat design and is now marketing it under their Prindle brand, for the same purpose as Hobie in getting their share of the resort and rental business. I do not know of any accessories for it given it's simple design purpose. I have seen the wave launching photos of the playcat, so it does look like a whole lot of fun for such a simple ride to rig and sail. Enjoy!
yellowhulls17

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 27, 2008

Last visit: Jul 25, 2010

Posts: 126
Posted: Jul 27, 2008 - 11:30 PM

The Escape Playcat is actually a very good boat at what it does, which is simplicity and ease of use. It sounds like you got a killer deal for the boat and you will have a blast sailing it. I have one and have sailed it for 3 years now, but desire more lines and sail area so I'm goin to slap on a jib and as. spinnaker to really see how fast she can go. I hit 17.4 mph in 25 mph winds last fall with just the 125 sqft main (had very flat water too), so the boat has real unlocked speed potential.

Piece of advice: tacking is a bitch on this boat, so release the main sheet at least 20% of the way through the tack, which will effectively pull the boat through the tack faster. Also, I noticed the stats for the boat weight was 290 lbs. but I had mine weighed and it registered at 218lbs. Just wondering if that was a typo or if I have a real light boat.

Any other questions just ask.
Cheers
c9reeves

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 24, 2008

Last visit: Aug 08, 2008

Posts: 24
Posted: Jul 28, 2008 - 09:13 AM

Ok,

First of all, thanks for the positive response. I didn't know if people would say I bought a "toy boat."

damon,
The boat is already together, so I can't take any pictures, however anyone who has to assemble their playcat is welcome to contact me for some advice / help. The trampoline is the worst part. You have to screw in the sides using an aluminum strip that slides down inside the tramp. If you follow the directions exactly, it's close to impossible to get it together. On mine, the holes on the tramp didn't line up on both sides, and I had to drill new holes in the aluminum strip as they didn't even correspond with the holes in the top of the boat (on one side only). After some custom work, it's all in together fine now (minus the two screw holes I need to retap). Also the mast pin broke, but it doesn't affect the sailing.

Mpalmieri,
I purchased the boat from a small dealer in Newport / Croydon, NH called "Alden of Sunapee." http://www.aldenofsunapee.com. The guy I bought the boat from, Don, was very helpful, friendly, etc. I bought this boat on clearance, and he has some others (monohull / kayaks) if anyone else is interested. He also sells new Wave/Getaways, but I think I got the only clearance Cat.

Yellowhulls,
I have noticed that tacking is as you say, a beeyotch. It really doesn't do too well upwind, and I notice I have to tack a lot more than the supposed deadzone requires. (Not that I mind of course). I'll try releasing the sail a bit as you suggest. Overall, mine feels heavier than 200lbs. My wife and I could barely lift it on to the trailer after assembly, but the front end is significantly heavier than the back.

Overall, I would recommend this boat to another person if they found a good deal on it. A couple of days ago, someone was selling a used one on ebay with a trailer for around 2000.00 so keep your eyes peeled. If you can get one already assembled, all the better.

The sailing itself: I live on a very small lake. It's only about a mile long. The good winds can only be found in the middle. However, even along shore, with very, very light winds, we keep moving a long. A couple of times we almost got it up on one pontoon (which scared the crap out of my wife by the way). Once the wind got over 5-10 we started flying. It was a hoot. This is my first cat, and it is very easy to set up and sail. Getting the mast raised sucks, but everything else is easy. I'm going to try it out on Lake Winnipesaukee tomorrow and I'll report back. For those of you non-New Hampshire residents (all of you?) it is the biggest lake in the state (takes about 2 hours to drive around it completely) and it has (as the local boat dealers say) "big winds." I was out on it yesterday in a kayak and saw quite a few H16s buzzing about. I'll report back next weekend (I'm up there camping the rest of the week).

Very random side note: When typing in the 'quick reply' box, it keeps jumping up to the top of my post before I'm finished reading or typing.

Happy sailing all

P.S. On my lake, I buzzed past 2 monohull sailors out there and a lot of people gave me the "what the heck is that thing" look as I blew past them.
c9reeves

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 24, 2008

Last visit: Aug 08, 2008

Posts: 24
Posted: Jul 28, 2008 - 09:15 AM

Oh yeah, and yellowhulls,

Do you know where to get things like a jib and spinaker for the Playcat? I've been looking into storage ports, and despite being nervous about drilling holes into my boat, I think I want to install them this winter. I'm really interested to know if anyone has ever tried to put wings or backrests on theirs.
yellowhulls17

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 27, 2008

Last visit: Jul 25, 2010

Posts: 126
Posted: Jul 28, 2008 - 03:48 PM

The trampoline is a pain to set up and really isn't the best design for this boat (I would rather have a laced-trampoline) but as far as the ports go, I would be hesitant to make holes in a polyethylene boat, because you could compromise the air-tightness of the hulls and it could lead to cracking problems in the plastic due to stress. Just my two cents.
I am pretty sure you can install backrests or wings on the crossbeams of the playcat, but you might have to custom fit them, unless the Hobie Getaway or Hobie 17 wings would fit.
For my playcat, I am using a Hobie 16 jib and trying to obtain an I14 spinnaker or the like for some extra speed. Due to the separated forestay system on the playcat, I built a bridle forestay like most catamarans and am only using that to connect the jib to (no mast support on this standing rigging) and left the original forestays to support the mast. The only problem I had encountered with the jib is that it sometimes tends to drive the bows down instead of providing lift, which makes for a wetter ride. The jib system cost 80 bucks total with the jib. I picked up the stainless hardware at Menards, which saved me a bundle and took some cam cleats from a Starboat sailor. Next I want to get a spinnaker on my playcat and see about a trapeze system

Wings on the playcat would add comfort to the boat but would be very difficult to install if no other wing system can be jury-rigged to fit.

I have passed windsurfers and monohullers and they stare as I breeze by them. Even against Hobie 16s this isnt a slow boat, and with the jib rigged, this will keep up with Hobie 16s fairly easily.

yellowhulls
c9reeves

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 24, 2008

Last visit: Aug 08, 2008

Posts: 24
Posted: Aug 06, 2008 - 11:46 AM

Our sailing on the big lake, Lake Winnipesaukee was a great success. We didn't end up using the boat launch; we just parked near the beach and carried it to the water. One thing that's funny about a cat, no matter where you go, people always want to help you put it together. I have yet to go somewhere where someone doesn't want to help you carry it or put it together.

In any event, we did a 2-3 mile jaunt from Five Mile Island to the Long Island Marina. We made great time. We also did a lot of sailing up and down and around the marina itself. The best sailing however was when we got home back to our own lake. Sunrise Lake is pretty small, but yesterday we had 20 mph winds, white caps and an empty lake. We frickin' cruised.

Cat sailing is a blast. If you happened to come across this forum, and you don't have a boat yet, stop waiting. Go out and get one. I don't regret it, and I don't think you will either.
JohnnyCorvette

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 23, 2008

Last visit: Sep 23, 2008

Posts: 2
Posted: Sep 23, 2008 - 11:32 AM

Thought I would add my 2 cents: I have owned a playcat since its inception (2001?). Original intention was to use it to teach my kids to sail and then move up. Had pleanty of fun with the family and now kids are older and take it occationally on their own. I am off the trailer and ready to sail in roughly ten minutes and speed by most others and a good wind. Every year I consider selling as it get little use these days. I usually take it out at the end of season and remember what a blast it is and think to keep it another year. I have thought of buying a second one and building a tandem trailer since they run so well solo. Do battle Snoopy and the Red Baron style. Heck you can ram these plastic hulls into each other with little effect. I would hesitate to attach a trap as the mast and stays may not like it. I would be interested to know details of how the jib was rigged on Yellowhuls. That could be fun. It is a little tippy due to the 7' width but flipping back over is a breeze. I think I will keep it another year.
yellowhulls17

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 27, 2008

Last visit: Jul 25, 2010

Posts: 126
Posted: Sep 23, 2008 - 02:13 PM

In response to the jib question, I would definitely add a jib, now knowing how much it helps the playcat with speed and turning radius. I added a Hobie 16 jib to the boat and can tell how much more power both upwind and especially downwind there is. Rigging a jib on the playcat is easy because no structural rigging is needed. All I did was install a Harken pulley about 6 inches above the shroud ring on the mast, and build the wire bridle with 1/8 inch stainless steel wire. Run approximately 30 feet of good line for the jib halyard up the pulley, and bam, you got yourself a turbo playcat. Of course the jib cleats and halyard cleat are also needed.
It definitely adds another dimension of speed to this boat. The most significant performance change is when broad reaching. There is so much more power, but the bows begin to dig in more with the jib.

I had the playcat out last weekend in a stiff 15 knot breeze and short 2 foot waves on the lake. I absoltely blasted by other sailboats with the 180 sq ft of sail up.

I would not try a trapeze on the playcat though because the shroud bases and mast weren't designed to take that load.

Unfortunately, I just got a Hobie 18 which will more than likely take the spot of the playcat.

yellowhulls
JohnnyCorvette

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 23, 2008

Last visit: Sep 23, 2008

Posts: 2
Posted: Sep 23, 2008 - 06:05 PM

I just found another playcat for sale for $900. Good shape apparently. Now I just need a tandem trailer.
yellowhulls17

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 27, 2008

Last visit: Jul 25, 2010

Posts: 126
Posted: Sep 23, 2008 - 06:46 PM

Wow, that is cheap for a playcat. Does it come with a dacron or mylar mainsail?
Having two of those on the water would be cool.
alumaswimmer

Rank: Lubber

Registered: May 11, 2009

Last visit: Jul 25, 2009

Posts: 10
Posted: May 15, 2009 - 06:10 PM

QuoteOur sailing on the big lake, Lake Winnipesaukee was a great success. We didn't end up using the boat launch; we just parked near the beach and carried it to the water. One thing that's funny about a cat, no matter where you go, people always want to help you put it together. I have yet to go somewhere where someone doesn't want to help you carry it or put it together.

In any event, we did a 2-3 mile jaunt from Five Mile Island to the Long Island Marina. We made great time. We also did a lot of sailing up and down and around the marina itself. The best sailing however was when we got home back to our own lake. Sunrise Lake is pretty small, but yesterday we had 20 mph winds, white caps and an empty lake. We frickin' cruised.

Cat sailing is a blast. If you happened to come across this forum, and you don't have a boat yet, stop waiting. Go out and get one. I don't regret it, and I don't think you will either.

--
Christopher Reeves
2001 Escape Playcat
--

I remember the summers when I was sailing a Dolphin Sr. (like a sunfish) and I set it up on "Hobie Beach". I wanted to help the cat owners set up their boats but I was 12 and I didn't think they wanted help. The reason I wanted to help was I was hoping I would get invited for a ride! So I bought a hobie 16 for $125 and now I have my own cat to set up, repair, store, admire, paint, epoxy, and all that fun stuff!
erice

Rank: Mate

Registered: Feb 19, 2008

Last visit: Aug 26, 2023

Posts: 671
Posted: May 15, 2009 - 07:52 PM

keep an eye on nacra's support pages as it seems they are now selling it as the nacra/prindle playcat

http://www.nacra.com.au/resort/playcat

another jib option might be the wave jib kit

i've been very impressed with my roto-molded plastic kayak but the other day i noticed that the plastic was starting to craze and crack!

too much time in the sunshine and UV i guess, should have made a cover for it from a cheap tarp
PerdidoCat

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Feb 09, 2010

Last visit: Feb 20, 2010

Posts: 2
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 - 10:10 AM

Hey guys, not much info out there on the Escape / Nacra PlayCat.......so I figured it is my duty to add what I know so far.

I picked up a PlayCat end of season last year. I hopped in the van and drove 6 hours to pick it up within minutes of seeing the add on craigslist. $1500 for a 2001, stored in a garage, nice clean aluminum trailer. It had only been used less than 10 times. Compared to a used Hobie Getaway for around 5K, an amazing bargain. I LOVED my old 18' SuperCat, but the fiberglass hulls were getting killed from kids (have 4 of them now) walking/jumping off of them. For that, the kids walking and jumping, the PlayCat is going to be perfect. The sailing though on the PlayCat has been, I hate to say it, painfully slow compared to the SuperCat. This boat just doesn't cut through the water like the I'd like for it to. That being said, I've only been sailing with the main, and as soon as it warms up I am going to try to rig an old Hobie 16 jib on her. I'm sure that will give it a turbo boost, but I am a bit nervous about burying the hull in the water once I add more power at the front of the boat. It seems even with just the main sail, when I'm out in heavy wind, the hull wants to dive down into the water. I'm sure this boat would easily pitch-pole if I'm not careful.
Does anyone have advice or experience with this? I am working on adjusting the mast rake (angle) and that may help.....

Dale
Innerarity Island, Florida
flightlead

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Apr 24, 2006

Last visit: Feb 26, 2020

Posts: 81
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 - 07:45 PM

Apparently the designer, Morrelli & Melvin, also designed the Hobie Wave, hence it similarity. The Playcat is now marketed as the Nacra Europe Playcat...maybe you can find info there.

--
Flightlead Bimare F18 HT SpaceCoast
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ghhm43

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Oct 26, 2004

Last visit: Nov 27, 2013

Posts: 66
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 - 11:27 AM

nacra europe site

http://www.nacraeurope.co…product.php?product_id=7

best of luck

--
Gordon
Nacra 5.5SL
--
yellowhulls17

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 27, 2008

Last visit: Jul 25, 2010

Posts: 126
Posted: Feb 13, 2010 - 11:02 AM

QuoteThe sailing though on the PlayCat has been, I hate to say it, painfully slow compared to the SuperCat. This boat just doesn't cut through the water like the I'd like for it to. That being said, I've only been sailing with the main, and as soon as it warms up I am going to try to rig an old Hobie 16 jib on her.

You will notice a significant increase in speed once the jib is up. (Although my Hobie 16 jib had a nasty habit of hanging up on the mast during tacks--really too big a jib just to throw on) I have experimented around with the Playcat for a few years now for kicks, put an old Tornado rig on it (mast is shortened) and a jib/spinnaker. Also, got rid of the factory rudders and installed homebuilt ones. She was a fast boat then...until a nasty pitchpole destroyed the rig. Now I am working on another Frankenstein idea for the Playcat
Even with those upgrades though, I doubt the Playcat would perform as well as a Supercat. The hulls were designed for ease of use, not slicing through water for speed.
flightlead

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Apr 24, 2006

Last visit: Feb 26, 2020

Posts: 81
Posted: Feb 19, 2010 - 08:35 PM

It seems to me that the Playcat is designed for ease of use, for resorts, and to be used by people with little sailing experience and knowledge. It is obvious that it is for beginner sailors and is limited in its capabilities. If you are just out for fun, then it is as great boat.

--
Flightlead Bimare F18 HT SpaceCoast
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PerdidoCat

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Feb 09, 2010

Last visit: Feb 20, 2010

Posts: 2
Posted: Feb 20, 2010 - 10:03 AM

Thanks for the input guys, finally 65 and sunny today...I'm looking forward to getting a jib up and testing it out. My expectations aren't very high.

Yes, I agree this boat is all about "ease of use". If I'd read all of these comments before purchasing the boat, I probably would have kept looking for something different. A CAT has to be fast in order to be fun, doesn't it? Sort of like going from a BMW to a Camry. Assuming you don't get one of those sticky accelerator Camrys. That's why I came..... to share my experience for others.

I was sold mainly on the roto-molded hulls. And I'll mostly likely end up keeping it to be abused for years to come by the kids.