Edchris177 wrote: There are quite a few variables that contribute to weather helm, mast rake being only one of them. However, it's the most commonly...

I find looking at my wake is easier in looking for overall speed. Word.

No, used mine.

On my 5.2, my best speed sustained for longer than 10 secs is 19 mph over 25 secs (peak 20.6)...around 650 feet or so IIRC, double trapped. I have se...

As for the tie bar end upgrade, an absolute must. Don't ***** about the cost. It is the SECOND most dramatic and improved upgrade you can do to the Na...

Not a problem to change out the cleats. I have done it many times. Get rid of the plastic cleats and order the aluminum "clamcleat" brand. Add the fai...

I just bought pivmatics. I bought only the bracket itself, not the whole assembly, as I have to take cleats off to put the pivmatics on, so why would...

Off the top of my head, I would remove rudder/gudgeons, clean up any broken material, lay a few more layers of glass from the inside across the back, ...

Word..

On my p18 I moved the bottom sheeve to the top and bought a sheeve at west marine for the bottom. I wouldn't be scared to remove the casting though....

I would consider a n5.0 as well. It and the 5.2 are quite a bit of fun to solo. As wonderful as the n f17/i17 may be, it might be a bit costly for t...

I have the older shiny metal toothed one, and I couldn't find a cleat to fit. I took my old one apart and cleaned it as best I could. It improved co...

What parts do you already have?

Must be missing your point I think... Not quite sure how someone relating their experience thus far with a supplier of cat tramps seems to offend you ...

Ryder wrote: UNTIL I get it I'll STFU. Fixed that for ya..

I've seen 2 early 80s 5.2s from the inside, and they're definitely just a strap with no attached crossbar. Thanks for the contact info.

Rob - Thanks - thats just the picture I need. I'm assuming that rectangular "bulge" is some form of backing plate that's laid into the glass? The bul...

FWIW, here's the inside of a 5.2 hull. You can see at the top right, the chainplate is just the single metal strip riveted to the outside of the hu...

damonAdmin wrote: Good advice here, best is by TurboCat, get with the locals and try out different boats. I don't know why a Hobie 16 wouldn't be a g...

Noted.

The only used F16's I've seen are a couple taipan's, which might be the best fit for your criteria anyway. I'm not sure how durable they are though (...

An F16 is a boat that costs more than 5k. Maybe a nacra 5.5 uni if you could find one would fit your needs.

I don't think you're going to step the mast on a P19 or 5.8 solo, although they're fast as hell. A hobie wave won't cut it for the thrill factor, not...

Epoxy is so easy to work with that i would just stick with it.

What's the alternative? Something slower?

Question: do you guys play the sheet or head up when smallish gusts threaten to tip you? Glad you had a good ride. I have the sheet wrapped around m...

turtlecat wrote: Yeah I could see that, but man the beauty of it would be worth a fluky day of sailing...The other place I was thinking of the last ti...

Oologah is beautiful. I've sailed a catalina 25 there, but never a cat. I'm told you can go from Red Bud 9 miles north to the first bridge. I'm als...

Where are you? We have some places like that here in OK, called 'fishing lakes', but luckily there are tons of lakes to choose from.

Thanks for all the advice and assistance. I just got in from a long day in high winds -- I'll try to understand the splices tomorrow. =)