Falcon 1-up. stiff battens, flat chute.

I am an older guy about your weight and when I looked for a boat two years ago I picked up a used Blade for about your budget.

Downwind there are advantages to the Falcon and Viper when its blowing. I have not moved a Falcon around the beach but I have moved a Viper. Much heavier than the Blade.

I don't think you will find a used Viper in your price range, but there are a couple Blades out there. One in Illinois that needs some work, but could be had for the low end of your budget.

Marks Blade might be sold, and it would be staying in CRAW.

(edit)- not trying to deter you from contacting him, I just know there is an interested party in Wisconsin.

Well, as of this morning I'm still without a Cat. I've been negotiating on a used Viper but it's hit a roadblock on pricing. Thus still open to a good used Blade or Falcon in place of a Viking. Agree on the weight difference advantage of the Blade, however the Blades I've been coming across have been worked hard and not in the condition I'm after. I want to sail the critter not rebuild it or worry about what's going to come apart that someone else "fixed" when I'm 20 miles off shore (I do sail with an EPIRP).

You are going 20 miles off shore, alone, on a "beach cat"?

Really?

Why?


Robi, we got one for you!

Does the Coast Guard charge for rescue?

I have a 2006 VWM Blade in pristine condition in Atlanta (Lake Lanier). Fresh-water only, very little use, always stored under a Kinder cover, sails are in great shape. Basically, good as new. I am the original owner.

If you want to talk, contact me at [email protected] and we can exchange phone numbers.

(Forum Police: Don't flame me. I'll send Rick the money to cover a classified ad.)

Geoff Smith

"You are going 20 miles off shore, alone, on a "beach cat"?

Really?

Why?


Robi, we got one for you!"

I used to do that on my Hobie 16 and 18 - mounted a compass on the front cross beam, packed food and water in a cool cat and pushed off of Galveston Beach going straight out for the day. Carried a full set of replacement rigging and tools in a pocket stitched under the front of the tramp. That's back when I was in my 20's and 30's. I liked solo sailing but prepared as best I could for the risks.

At this point in life, I'd do it again but with a buddy in his fishing boat in the same general area with me so I could hail him on my portable VHF before I activated the EPIRP.

Point is, I want a boat that is in excellent condition.
Whether you are 20 miles out or 4 doesn't matter much if your sailing on a cat that's been abused and breaks up on you.

I don't think you will find a Viper in your price range, but you never know if you have a motivated seller. Vipers have been around in the US since about 2009 I think. Blades since '07??

So the used Blades will be more in that range. There are some out there in good condition. Ask for pictures before you get too far into the negotiations. I'd defintely want to see what the bottoms look like.

BTW, I bought a "reconditioned" boat from Falcon Marine. It came with a guarantee. It's held up quite well.

"Point is, I want a boat that is in excellent condition.
Whether you are 20 miles out or 4 doesn't matter much if your sailing on a cat that's been abused and breaks up on you."

It matters when they have to go find you...and what if you fall off the boat and it leaves you behind? Are you going to use a tether? If you can see shore, at least you know which direction to start swimming. The EPIRB is a must, but I've never had the inclination to go out of sight of land on a beach cat. It's all just water out there, and it all looks the same...so what's the point?

I used to love cruising up and down the coast of NH and Maine, only a couple miles out, so I can SEE something on the shore, not to mention if something did go wrong, I could -maybe- flag someone down.


Oh, and if you want a boat "In Excellent Condition", you may want to buy a new one.

The Blade has been around since 2005 really. Not many were made in 2005 I don't think, but Pete, isn't your boat from 2005? Robi had the first I believe.

I bought mine in May '06.