it is important to think it though, but it's not like buying a house. You can typically resell your used cat for the same you bought it for (assuming the condition is the same) next year if it isn't the perfect fit

Every boat I've sold I've taken some loss on, even if condition was the same or better than when I bought the boat.

My #1 piece of advice is buy the best boat you can afford; something that has been used a bit rather than sitting idle for years is worth more. Also save some $$ for parts, things break.

sorry to hear.. let me narrow my statement, around here in Florida .. legacy boats typically can be resold for the same value (or more depending on time of year and demand) since most of the depreciation has been realized.

For a first boat, and new skipper, I typically suggest you purchase something in old but good shape... why invest "all you can" on a new hobby before you know how dedicated you will be... and the difference between beach cats is not so significant that a novice will benefit from.

Anything you buy "Brand New" is going to start depreciating the minute you walk out of the store with it, wether it's a car, boat, airplane, laptop, cellphone, etc. For a First Boat (cat) you'd be much better off to find something old and beat up, and CHEAP. That way you can learn without doing any more harm, and once you do learn and decide what you really want, you can sell the beater for about what you have into it, as it's already fully depreciated.

Every boat I've ever had I was able to sell for the same, or more, than what I paid for it, but they were all used boats when I bought them, and I did put some fix'n into them, but I always got my money out of them at the sale.

It takes 10 adults to sink a H16 to the point that it is unsailable. So two big guys could blast around the bay in blustery weather or one guy would be able to sail solo and right it alone.

last year our friend's son and his friend had a h16 hull fail and the catamaran was 95% underwater.... i wouldn't call that sunk, but it surely wasn't afloat either

I had written a hobie 16 off as being a bit light weight for two fat boys always had a soft spot for the 16s

get a Wave and tool around on it for a year. You probably can't break that thing, and you could always sell to someone or even a boat rental place...

I've never bought a brand new boat. When you look at what I've actually spent taking boats and restoring them to nearly new standards it's A LOT more than it usually is worth. I'm OCD on these things. Luckily I broke even on my TheMightyHobie18 transaction.

Pete might be on to something the H16 is inexpensive, robust and a fun platform. Also not mentioned is the Prindle 18, simple, fast, fun, lighter than the TheMightyHobie18 and may be able to find one in better shape (newer design).

hi water bug been looking on and off at cats for sale here in the uk for most of the winter and not seen a wave for sale most of the schools tend to use darts 16 a uk boat but from what i have read on them people dont really seam to like them

H16 are pretty common and picking one up wont be a prob but i am a but worried about the weight a we sail were the waves are quite steep i know all will pitch pole but i might be a prob? any h16 men know?

I agree - great boat but weight and waves will add to the challenge of mastering a H16

this was a sound boat loaded with people and beer.

H16s will pitchpole but that's part of the fun. If you don't pitchpole once in awhile you aren't pushing hard enough. My most radical pitchpole left a purple stripe from my ankle to my arm pit that lasted for weeks. First aid required an extra beer or three...

The Dart 16's and 18's are pretty well proven boats in the UK, have large class orgnaised meets and races, good backup on spares and the 18 easily handled with 1 biggun. Got to be looked at as they are great value for money and you often see them under a grand with trailer and all the kit.

If you really want a blaster then how about

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330902305977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

got to be the ultimate big boys blaster and people do sail them single handed.

The Dart 18 is a great boat!

hi wayne seen that tornado but think i might be a bit much for us nice boat at a good price at the mo dart 18 are nice crewed one a few times u had any experience of the hobie15 like the twin wires

maybe i am learning something already about cats

Mmmm sailed a Hobie 14 and 16 and really was not impressed as I have really only sailed the more modern generation hulls which don't pitch pole quite as easily. However a friend runs a 16 in the solent with a 21sqm kite and just loves it to bits.

These guys over the years have done a lot of adventuring with the 16 and been places including across the channel a couple of times, on them. Simply drag them up the beaches and camp or sleep over night if needed. Tough little boats.

Stick to the Dart 18 as they are a very well organised association and will give lots of advice plus there are plenty about to sail with and learn the ropes. In a couple of seasons sell it for the same money and buy something like the Hurricane 5.9, you wouldn't be disappointed.

morning wayne i think ur right a dart 18 would be the sensible choice from looking at the handicap list the hobie 15 is not that quick

You may want to have a chat with a local Dart owner and get a ride before fully committing as you may just hanker for a spinny of some kind with your combined weights.