I live near Long Beach CA and am looking for a good entry level Cat that I can take out by myself and add my husband every now then.
I consider myself a very inexperienced sailor even though I've sailed for several years and used to own a Prindle 18 (for 1 year but sold it a couple of years ago because I couldn't step the mast by myself or even get it down to the water despite the beach wheels). I also had a tough time tacking it. My problem is that I'm overweight (210 lbs but starting a diet program, honest! :-O ) and my husband is 6'4" and weighs 260lbs. Is it even possible for me to get something that I can set up and sail by myself that will carry the two of us (which will likely only happen a few times a year)? If not, what should I get to just go single handed as I really need to get back to the beach and the water and the outdoors?
I appreciate all of your help!
ps. I love the idea and look of the A-cat or the Nacra 5.0 but don't know if it's too much performance for me (I've never trapezed).
Hobie Wave. Your criteria does not allow a high performaqnce boat. Pete
prindle pete
I would say the getaway.... every time I use one I really like it more and more. The wave is really small....
The wave has a few options like a jenneker or spinnaker so if you got more confident you could upgrade...
1988 H21SE spi
Hobie Getaway. On second thought I wouldn't get a cat that meets your criteria. The A Cat is too small for 470 lbs. The Nacra would be great but not for inexperienced single handed. Maybe talk your husband into crewing for you ( there are ways) and find a P18, or H18. If you buy the wave your husband WILL NEVER go again.
Terry
Nacra 5.2
Can she raise the mast of a Getaway herself? Pete
prindle pete
pbegle wrote: Can she raise the mast of a Getaway herself? Pete
With a stepper....or gin pole
1988 H21SE spi
I second Petes advice. She has stated that she has to be able to rig, move & sail the boat herself. If it is a bear for her to get it in the water, it will stay on land, & that defeats the entire purpose. Nowhere did she state big performance as a need.
Most of the people on this forum are into the upper end, performance wise, of Cats. We sometimes forget that performance isn't everyone's main criteria.
The Wave can be a ton of fun by herself, I sailed one with my wife,(total weight 300 lb) & it was good fun, with only 200 lbs on it, it will be a blast, especially in winds of 15-20.
It was also so simple a boat that kids could rig it.
She is only going to sail with Hubby "a couple of times a year". So for those couple of times, they just putzter along, if hubby really likes it, buy a second Wave, or as they get better look at another boat.
E C Hilliard
Nacra 5.7
Bombardier Invitation
Hobie Wave is a good choice.
Scott
Hobie 18M in Chicago
First off, thank you so much, everyone, for the advice. I really appreciate you all taking the time to repond. I agree with Ed - I am looking for something to have fun in myself, get active, and be on the water. That being said, I do like those adrenaline rushes so once I get my confidence up and get stronger/healthier, I can upgrade to a higher performance cat. Sidenote is that my husband owns his own business and works weekends so we rarely have a full day together.
I'm going to pursue the Hobie Wave. I'll post a note when I get one! 😀
Thanks, again.
If you like the P18 other than the rigging maybe a P16 would work for and have enough buoyancy for both of you when you want it. Still harder to rig than a Wave probably but but I've had my P18 for about 3 years and still usually rig with 2 or more people but We usually go as a Family so they are available. But I am pretty close to being able to do it solo. I think I found a used ginpole on the cheap but I have to fix my truck first and hope it's still there.
Dustin
Magna, UT
Prindle 18
Also saw this for sale here it might be good but though not very close to you.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/10700/cat/1
Dustin
Magna, UT
Prindle 18
The prindle 15 might be a good choice although 30 to 40
pounds heavier than the wave. Not sure of the weight of
a venture 15, But they are a fun easy to rig boat. Just
saw a post last night from someone sailing theirs with
three on board at 450 pounds. They said it does well and
I know from experience it handles the heavier wind quite well.
Found that the Venture weighs 250lbs. About the same as the wave.
edited by: pknapp66, Aug 03, 2010 - 06:20 PM
H18m
p16
Venture15
pbegle wrote: Hobie Wave. Your criteria does not allow a high performaqnce boat. Pete
Hi, if you are considering the Wave have a look at the Nacra Playcat for comparison. I do not have any experience with this boat (I am also new and just started sailing my Nacra 450 this year) but it may give you more choice. Besides, I am so impressed with my 450 that I am a little biased. Anyway, good luck and enjoy.
Martin