Re posted from the Hobie Cat Forums.

Anyone in or near Ocala interested in helping a total newbie learn how to rig and sail the 1981 H16 I just bought. I have no experience at all and would love to have someone with experience show me the ropes. (I'm sure that line has been used a thousand times but I couldn't resist)

As far as I can tell, the boat seems to be in very good condition for an 81 (I paid $1,500.00?) and the only concern I have is the base plate on the mast is loose. I'm assuming that's not a good thing? I noticed it while attempting to step the mast for the first time, notice I said attempting as I never quite got it done. I had my 17 year old daughter helping me and was just a bit nervous. I just couldn't bring myself to push any harder to get the thing to seat and was scared to death the thing would pop out of the mast step? and fall forward. Still just not comfortable with the shrouds being the only thing keeping that from happening.

I guess I didn't start out to well (first big newbie mistake) as I didn't even think to hook the trailer up to the hitch on my Jeep. I jumped up on the trampoline and started to lift the mast with help from my daughter on the ground and crash! Trailer pitches straight up and no more trailer lights, luckily no damage to the boat or myself but boy did I look stupid.

Well, I would really like to get started out on the right foot here, so if there's anyone within 100 miles or so? Have boat will travel!

Thank You!

First rule: "There is no 'Rope' on a boat." They are lines, haylards or sheets.

I am based out of West Palm Beach, if you are interested in coming down this way, I can walk you through it. There is nice sailing either lake or ocean.

Thanks Craig!

Like I said, I bet that line has been used a thousand times I might just take you up on your offer.

Try THE LAKE EUSTIS SAILING CLUB. Great place. Might be a great place to start. Mostly dingys but some cats. www.lakeeustissailingclub.org

There are also quite a few H16's sailing out of the Gulfport Yacht Club, which is in the St. Pete area, right down I-75 to 275 from you.

They race on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. I'm sure someone there (or many someones) can get you started in the right direction.

http://www.gulfportyachtclub.com

Thanks for the suggestions! St Pete looks like it may be my best option so far.

Website: http://tampabaycatsailors.com/

We've been trying to get a Hobie fleet started for some time. You're more than welcome here. Gulfport is on Boca Ceiga bay in south St. Petersburg.

http://www.gulfportyachtclub.com/

We're just off I-275, before you cross the Skyway bridge. To get a feel for the club try searching: "GYC club racing".

It would seem Fleet 111 (Jax) or Fleet 80 (Daytona) would be better options and closer.

Actually Daytona would definitely be the closest for me. I'll check it out. Anyone from the Daytona fleet 80 on here?

Call/email Charlie Johnson, in W. Ocala for instant help.
Tell him you heard he was a wizard Prindle 19 sailor, but you need help. sailerp19 at aol.com

You missed Gilligan's Run in Daytona last Saturday and a bunch of us did some fun sailing on Sunday.

If you decide to come down to Tampa Bay, drive on down to the Dunedin Causeway, walk up to almost any cat sailor and say help and you will have it. great sailing inside on the intercoastal, lots of spoil islands to stop and picnic on, and you can go outside to the gulf if you want. There is a fun distance race coming up Sept 6, you can get plenty of advice then and can learn a lot. Happy sailing, and welcome to the club of "I cannot beleive I just did that."

Thanks dacarls, I sent him an email.

cyberspeed, where do most of the cat sailors hang out in Daytona?

Steve, We might take a ride over you way today. Unfortunately, without the boat as I'm having a little difficulty with registration on both the boat and the trailer.

Don't register the boat as it's only 16 feet and has no motor and register the trailer as a "home made" utility trailer, about $15 if I recall.

True, and if they ask you how much the trailer weighs tell them under 500lbs because if its 500lbs you have to provide a weight certificate.

The only time I sail in Daytona is for the race. Their website is www.fleet80.com. You can get more information there. Maybe send Gilligan a quick note. Very friendly bunch.

Don't feel bad we have all jumped on a trailer that has not been hook up and went for a ride! That is a right of passage, welcome to the club!