Solcat 18

dapologuy wrote: The guy told me to just take it with the Hobie. Supposed to be complete, rudders and daggers are there, sails in a tote, rigging, wires and ropes everywhere!

Wow, what a score!

no kidding, That's awesome. In our little fleet the Solcat 18 is my biggest competitor.

bringing her home tomorrow, maybe I can figure out how to post some pictures (I'm not very "techy") and get you guys to help me figure this thing out. Sailing season is just about over here (NJ) so I'm figuring by spring...

I'm very jealous. Have had mine apart for almost a year until this weekend. Put the restoration on hold to go out and have a little fun (or a lot!). Crew was new to cats, too, and had a blast.

damonAdmin wrote: [quote=bhull]Thanks for the info!
I'm leaning towards an 18' for distance sailing.
Can Hobie sails fit on a Solcat mast if I have to replace one down the line?

I don't think you understand how rare the Solcat is. So rare that most of us have never seen one in person. I have no idea when exactly they were produced or how many may have been manufactured.

If anyone has that kind of information I would like to have it for the Identification archives.

Hi Damon, I'm new to the forum. There's a nice Sol Cat 18 on my beach here in CT if you want me to snap some pictures. The design of the hulls and tramp are closer to a Hobie 17 than my H18 e.g., The boat appears to have significantly less hull volume than a H18 and the tramp is sloped like a 17. One thing I found interesting is there is a large aluminum boom-like structure running underneath the tramp center lacing connecting the front and aft crossbars. The ID is prominently stamped on the transom and it appears to be a 1976 boat. You would never know it looking at the sails, however. It's in good condition.

BrianCT wrote: Hi Damon, I'm new to the forum. There's a nice Sol Cat 18 on my beach here in CT if you want me to snap some pictures. The design of the hulls and tramp are closer to a Hobie 17 than my H18 e.g., The boat appears to have significantly less hull volume than a H18 and the tramp is sloped like a 17. One thing I found interesting is there is a large aluminum boom-like structure running underneath the tramp center lacing connecting the front and aft crossbars. The ID is prominently stamped on the transom and it appears to be a 1976 boat. You would never know it looking at the sails, however. It's in good condition.

Welcome Brian, thanks for the info. Please fill out your profile when you get a chance. (Profile link in main menu)

What you said about the Solcat hulls is what I've heard as well, that they don't like a lot of weight, but the boat is fast if sailed by lightweight crew.

I think this is the sweetest looking Sol Cat I have ever seen!!

http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/1949546185.html

I have no idea who is selling it, so I'm not helping anyone out, BUT, if you want a nice Sol, check it out!

Thanks Damon, below are some photos of the Sol Cat 18 I was referring to. Like I said, it resembles an H-17 more than it does an H-18. I've seen this guy on the water and it certainly moves.....

Hefty center post underneath the tramp lacing:

Sloped tramp:

Rudder Assembly:

Just acquired a solcat 18 that has no sails or centerboards. Would love to take her out once to see if it's worth fixing her up... I've seen some pics of split hulls and read about rigging pulling loose so want to get out on the water to see she'll float... if so I'll invest to fix her up. I'll check the links in these posts but if anyone has new references would love to get some parts.

mrmontana wrote: I'll check the links in these posts but if anyone has new references would love to get some parts.

Congrats on your new boat. I have set of dugger boards, 1 extra rudder, boom, blocks if you need. PM me if you are interested or if you need info of how to rig it etc. 😎

Have couple white jibs. See my ads in classifieds for phone # (pbegle). Pete

I have a few Sol 18 parts around if needed. Beams, rudders, ect..... I'd have to look to be sure, but let me know if you need something