I kept a Hobie 18 on Folly Beach for a couple of years...when looking at boats, having a beach dolly included with the boat should be a BIG plus. You'll absolutely need it unless you can find somewhere to trailer launch like James Island Yacht Club (trailer launching is still a PIA though). You can launch early in the morning at a couple of the parking / beach access alleys but you have to beat the beach-going cars because they'll block the access and you'll need to find a way to manage the early morning mega-toothed Folly Beach no-see-ums (less you eventually "go full monkey"). Death by no-see-ums sucks!

I also think you can still get permits to leave a boat on Folly Beach but you may need to be (know) a resident - I would do that again in a heart beat if I lived down there (just plan to have a way to haul sails, rudders, and boards home after each sail). Bury a couple of cinder blocks in the sand by the dune and run a cable through them before filling in the hole. You can lock the boat by wrapping the cable around an end of one of the beams and putting a pad lock on it. It also helps to keep it from blowing away in storms (but watch out for full moon tides).

I'm a few miles from the beach at Folly so you know exactly where I hope to be launching from! Since I just moved here, I don't know anyone on Folly yet but I'm right on the edge of James Island so trailering won't be too bad (except for getting it in and out)

Thats another thing I didn't think about...permits and registration. I know with the AquaCat that you didn't need one because it was smaller. I'm assuming I'd need to register the 16 or the 18?

Register something in South Carolina?

Surely you jest.
:P

(I actually have no idea)

$1000 to $1500 for a complete H16 in decent condition, with trailer, is reasonable. It'd be great if you can get a catsailor to look at any potential purchase with you. If not, ask the seller to completely set the boat up with you, that should bring to light anything missing. Replacing missing parts runs up the price very quickly. I'd hold out for a boat without soft spots unless you're experienced with fiberglass work, or very handy.

Dave

I wouldn't count the sunfish out as a trainer. I wouldn't buy one but they're fine for learning the basics.

A lot of community sailing centers offer instruction on sunfish for cheap. It's as good a place to start as any, and a good way to meet sailors.

Back to the Aqua Cats--I see some for sale every now and then that are brand new. The owners won them on some game show like 'The Price is Right' and they are trying to sell it to a)recoup the taxes they paid on the boat and b)to get some money to get a real prize. They are always asking top dollar for them and NEVER know anything about the boat or the sailing in general.

Technically you are supposed to title the boat in S.C. (which I found out only recently) but you don't have to carry registration or registration numbers on it as long as it is under 21' and doesn't have an engine/motor. Folly Beach has some sort of permit system (or did) where you have to have a sticker on the boat to prove you have permission to leave the boat on the beach.

Used to launch there just north of the Holiday Inn. If you're really lucky, a homeless guy might come up and help in the morning. They used to sleep under the catamarans there on the beach (so leave your boat north of there if possible!) ;-) I actually got to know one of the guys, "Chillie"...he actually knew some stuff about cats and really did help me rig. After rigging, he would say he would appreciate some beer money. I said I appreciated the honesty and the help and would give him a 10 spot. ;-)

kmbarnes, email me off list and we'll get you set up in Charleston.
velocitytrey(at)gmail(dot)com

And keep us posted. Everyone wants to how know how the newbies are progressing.

i agree with everything but those are very "sweet" prices in season (Dave, i know you buy lots of boats)

i would expect 2-3k for an TheMightyHobie18

Soft spots the TheMightyHobie18's are notorious for? Stay away from that too.
Any descent no soft spot in the hull H16, TheMightyHobie18, or Prindle 16 Prindle 18, Nacra 5.2, all plenty available, and all good starter boats- fast when you want them to be, etc.

There are a few catamaran guys trying to organize in Charleston, SC for sailing out of Sullivan's Island at Station 12 St. Check out the facebook page for "Fort Moultrie Beachcat Sailors": http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_229735613710689

You could meet up with them and see the different boats most people sail (mostly Hobies). From what I've heard, there are at least a couple guys out there every weekend. I went over there a couple of weekend ago and the people I spoke with were really nice and liked talking catamaran sailing. So, I'm sure someone would let you ride with them and start showing you the ropes.

Since you are on board, shouldn't that be "show you the lines" ?

David,

+1

(Basic Nautical Terms 101)

Harry

I was once told by a wise old salt that a rope is a line without a job. Seemed to make sense.

Just to give you all an update...I've looked at a Hobie 18 (had a soft spot so I walked away), a Prindle 18, and a Hobie 16. I had cash in hand for both the Prindle and Hobie and both sellers backed out at the last minute. Now I can't find one for sale...

Any SC guys in here know of anyone selling a ready to sail boat for around $1000 (with trailer)

I am moving to CA and will know in about a weeks time (my wife has to measure the garage when she gets out there), whether I will be bringing my 5.0. You can PM me for more details.

Nice. I'll have to remember that.

Hokie: PM sent