Why/how is the Pacific cat much more functional than other cats for kids? I grew up sailing on a cat with my dad and my son (age 3) has been on my ca...

If you go with an 18, look for one with wings. I love my 18, but if my crew had to sit on the jib blocks all the time I don't think they would like it...

I would look at the getaway instead of the 2 you mentioned. I think the wave is to small to deal with ocean waves. I have sailed waves at resorts and ...

Make sure you can handle solo on the beach when launching. If that works for you, it is likely a good trade assuming condition of boat is good. Harde...

An alternative to ski goggles might be motocross goggles. Not sure how the venting compares to ski goggles, but might be better warm weather venting. ...

Philip, I see NRS got an impressive 6 out of 5 stars :-O NRS Murrays APS limited Are the vendors I have used most, all with great service. Had ...

What are you looking for in an upgrade? Want more space, longer, more technical, or something else? H16 's are hard to beat for sailing solo or with...

Diegokid, I have single handed with jib all the cats I have sailed, including significant time on a SC20. The big concern is weather conditions and av...

I will agree with most here. Find an inexpensive 16 foot boat and give it a try. Most will have a boom, but that shouldn't scare you away. If you have...

Downside is 25% more line to pull in or let out. So an armlength of line is less sail movement.

Trap shock cord anchors at the bow and stern under the lip. No where near the holes they come out in the middle. That allows for lots of bungy so it c...

Rearend a boat on trailer (mast end).

How is the volume on these? I have tried similar items in the past with mixed results since you couldn't hear over the water/boat noises. Looks like ...

I am always curious to see wing seat designs and pictures. One thing to keep in mind is trying to keep it from dragging in the water while flying the ...

You initially mentioned a boat you, your friend, and your wives (sometimes) could all be on together. Putting you wife on a rocketship might not be a ...

I agree with a watershoe instead of barefoot. I typically where Keen's, because I prefer the hard sole. For PFD check out kayaking vendors. Extrasport...

If you hulls are not flat (front to back) then bunks don't gain you anything. I think the SC17 is fairly flat, but something to consider. I think good...

I found one at a pipe supply place that was in their scrap pile. They let me have it for free. Had several to pick from.

Those boats are so easy to be one the wire (the boat I learned on). Feels like you are standing on a sidewalk when you are out there. Love the experi...

I sail 1 up when conditions allow. I get nervous in moderate to heavy air since I can't solo right. I love the feel of the boat solo, so different and...

I started with small pieces of cloth and then built up with larger pieces. I felt the small pieces allowed me to guarantee good contact with the origi...

I would add reinforcement plates to the rear cross beams also. The rear beam takes a lot of abuse from the wings, force from you sitting/bouncing on t...

Those look like great tires. Before you buy make sure they will fit. Might rub inside of hull and/or hit you fenders if you have them. Also need to ch...

Sounds like a good idea. Full ratings might be tough. What about getting to a category instead of a specific cat? Like "look for the best condition P...

That trailer width SC20 would be a blast and a handful at the same time.

Check out The craw sailing group, crawsailing.org. I think Racine is a common cat launch place for Lake Michigan sailing, but I have never done it. ...

May isn't that far away. I know you will miss spring sailing, but a correctly done alteration will last many more years then taking a chance on cuttin...

If you are only sailing in the heat of summer you only need a good lifejacket (comfortable), a swim suit and sunglasses. Trap harness is optional, I ...

Lifejacket- Extrasport Chica. Designed for female kayakers (extra room in the chest) very comfortable for guys also. Splash top - check Apsltd.com. H...

Hope to sail more this year then last year. But likely only a few times a month, have 3 kids under 3 with twin 1 year olds so the house his hopping on...