I looked at a Prindle 16. A 77' without the big ports on the top. If I had a house, I'd have bought it and cleaned it up. Hulls were solid except for some patching of the inner top/side seam behind the rear crossbar. Bottom showed fiberglass, but was still solid. All rigging and hardware looked solid clean. Trailer needed a new tire. Sail could use a couple little patches (mostly battens) - but stitching seemed good as did the material. Rudders pins seemed small so assembly was a little loose - but lock mechansim and all movement seemed fine. Rudders a little battered looking but solid.

Also noted that there was no hinge mechanism on the mast step. It didn't look broken - just looked like the older model didn't have it. Scary looking for solo mast raising, methinks.

For $800, it looks like a decen starter, but I'm just impressed how big of a boat it is in person. Technically, it will fit in my garage - I'll have to shift it up on the trailer 1' once I got it inside, then store the mast outside.

With the extra effort of getting it in the garage, on top of how big of a beast it looks to be for a solo beginner, I'm debating.... I wish I had room to just get it and clean it up as I learned on smaller club boats... such is the life of an apartment dweller.

Chill,

If I were you, I'd be tempted to start out on a Sunfish or Bravo. You can get a solid sunfish for $800 and it takes up practially no garage space. Start out small and learn the basics. In my oppinoin, a laser, sunfish, or a bravo is going to be easier for a beginner and a lot easier to right for a beginner.

I sailed a sunfish for quite a few years before stepping up to cats and I am approaching the H16 with caution. I've been crewing for someone until I get a better feel for them. Partly because I'm a little shaky and partly because my dirt cheap boat needs quite a bit of work.

A 77 is old and you're going to find a lot that you need to do.

An early 90's sunfish can be had for $800.

I've passed up a couple really nice lasers in that price range too.



Ryan

I owned a Prindle 18, and I agree that a '77 Prindle 16 probably wouldn't be the right boat for someone just starting. It might well have maintenance issues, and that's not a fun way to start your sailing career! Look for something that is a little newer (mid-80's anyway) and smaller. There are a number of 14' cats, and a Sunfish or Laser is always a good option to learn the basics on because you can then sell it for the same $$ or keep it for the kids, etc. You will want to go to a cat eventually if you like speed (which is addictive <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />), but a larger, older boat might not be the best avenue.

Good luck with the ongoing search!

Kevin
Trac 14