Try here:

http://www.usaca.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=7:a-class-catamarans-for-sale&Itemid=16&layout=default

Another great thing about A-class is that there are easy sources for new and used parts from various competing factories and the boat only weighs 165lbs. Downside is that it will not withstand beach dragging and hotel resort style abuse. Think vintage Lotus track cars as opposed to an older Corvette.

I would suggest that you find a fleet of A-cats near you and look at the boats actually sailing before you commit to a purchase. (Here is a video to motivate yourself for a drive-- Glen is the current world champion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVJJMolTe60 Note how little wind he is sailing in ) When you see them live, you will either be scared to death and run away or scared and strangely attracted like a moth to the flame. If the latter, post an ad on USACA looking to buy a wooden or 90s model C-class. If the former, any of the boats mentioned above are good choices-- best bet it to get one in great condition since parts for these older boats can be more expensive and frustrating than anticipated.

Matt

BS !

He is sailing is some good breeze here !

Wouter

I paid $1500 for an older wooden A. You can soon convert the rudders to kick up with fibreglass rod and a bit of ali tube if you want. The wooden A will have an ali mast that is not as stiff as a new carbon one but can take more abuse, the wooden hulls can take a beating and if your off the beach like me just add some epoxy whereever the hulls wear. There are plenty of good second hand sails and masts around if you want to upgrade no matter what country your in. You can easily handle it, right it, sail it and repair it on your own. It can go really fast or slow if you want, I found it a brilliant learning boat as it only has one sail and instantly tells you wether you've pulled the right string by going faster or slower. If you want to race at club level you will be competative against other boats and have a lot of fun.
regards

I would recommend sailing each of them.. even include a P-16 or a H-17... it mainly depends on what kind of sailing you want to do.. I would not recommend boards if you are not racing at all.. they become a pain... I have had (2) N 5.8's, (2) P-19's, a N 5.0, Tornado and now a H-17...

I picked up an A cat this month and think its got a lot of potential for a PWC. Wasn't able to try before I bought it needed some TLC to get it seaworthy. You can get a beach cat for a lot less and they get on the water in a snap but coming up from an H16 I will be having a ball on this boards and all. No wood just lots of aerospace composites.
I'm new to this board can someone direct me to the A-cat forum? I've got some rigging and tuning questions

Charlie
2000 Boyer MK IV USA 71
Long Beach, Ca.

You can get lots of information right here, but for specific stuff: http://www.usaca.info/

Charlie,
I find more help here than the usca site. You can call or PM me with questions if you wish, I have a mid 90s Boyer A.

dave 509 276 6355 Spokane, WA

I would like to ditto the Prindle 16 mentioned earlier. I've been sailing for 45 years and just moved to a small lake in NC. I looked over Craigs list last spring and was able up pick up a P-16 w/ usable trailer for $550. I put a new tramp, lines, etc on her and cleaned her up a bit and she's been transporting me (and occasionally my g/f too) all over the lake for over 6 months. I can't right her myself (even when I fill the jib bag with water) but there are plenty of helpful power boats on the lake (twice) - after the second I stopped referring her by her new name, then I performed a formal denaming ceremony w/ champagne and a day later a formal naming ceremony also with champagne and haven't dumped her since.

have you tryed the righting pole? It looks like an easy addition and does't need to be emptied once your back up. I've had my A out on the beach a few times and a little dragging on the sand didn't leAve a scratch.
I looked at cats on several sites including usaca.info where one boat for sale lead to another not advertised. One of the things I had to consider was how far was I willing to haul my new boat home. I lucked out finding a local boat already where I wanted to go sailing.