Hoping for some unbiased opinion from you guys.
In terms of speed, general sea worthiness and handle-ability/forgiveness, which of the two boats (Inter 20 or Nacra 6.0) would be the best buy?
I enjoy long distance fast cruising, and am also starting to get into the racing scene. Going fast is a major reason why I am into cats.
Looking forward to peoples thoughts.
Chris

I have a 2001 6.0na, and I like the boat. It sails well, very fast, and extremely good in heavy seas. However, the tramp layout is very small. The boat was not designed for a spinnaker, and so very often the lines get tangled when flying a spin. And the oversized jib means that the jib blocks and sheet are on the tramp. I am moving to a Nacra20 (was Inter 20) because it will be much easier for spin handling. I am also told that the N20 is a bit easier boat to sail well. In terms of handling, I really like the 6.0. It tacks very well, handles well, a real joy to sail. Lots of freeboard which is nice. You could pick up a used 6.0 for a lot less money than a N20, so it depends on your budget. But if money is not a problem, then I suggest the N20 because there are more out there racing now, and its the current boat. Get a freshwater boat if you can.

Thanks for your advice. One problem I've found here where I live is that there are few secondhand boats on the market (for a price I can afford!!). I have looked at a couple of Nacra 6.0's. One was in quite poor shape generally (1996 boat), the other was a lot better all round apart from a lot of twist between hulls (I have been told to avoid boats like that). I am close to buying an Inter 20, but haven't yet checked her out. There is another Nacra 6.o I could look at. Most of my sailing is on the sea, where it can get quite rough, so a lot of bouyancy up at the front is appreciated!
Cheers
Chris

I'd buy the Inter 20. No questions.

Newer design that was made for a kite. Newer sit out and thinking went into the design etc...

Hi Chris

Agree with the others on the I-20 being more fun and easier to sail . I raced 2 Worrell 1000s on Nacra 6/0s and then 4 more on I-20s plus a couple Tybee 500 races , the I-20 is much more fun .

I,m in the northern US , great lakes region , but I.ve had some corespondents with several of the UK catsailors , the BALA sail club in Wales has a several active I-20s as of a year or so ago . You might check on boat availability and the racing scene there .

http://www.balasc.org.uk/

OR

http://www.catamaran.co.uk/

Good luck and keep us updated on the racing .
take care
Carl Roberts --sail 6000

I concur. While the "fun" factor is debatable (they're both "Fun" in their element), the N20 has demonstrated to be a little more organized and user friendly.

N6.0 can be faster on a tight reach with its bigger jib, but the N20 can usually score line honors (N6.0 may correct out faster).

Bouy racing - N20 hands down. Easier on crew (smaller spin easier to trim/snuff). Auto tacker makes upwind duels easier too.

Distance racing - I'd still shy toward the N20 because less stuff is on the tramp to cut you into pieces. Lower rear beam on the N20 does make it "buck" in big chop, but it doesn't pitchpole as often (larger volume in the bow I think).

just my $0.02

Hi there
I have an I20 for sale in the UK. An awesome boat, and I wish that I did not have to sell it (starting own boat business and need the cash!). I know that the dealer who is trying to sell it has at least another 3 boats of various years. What kind of budget do you have?

Hi "Hugo"
Thanks for the info. I have just bought an Inter 20, I collected her this weekend. I hope you get to sell yours soon.
Regards
Chris

Congratulations!! Have a great time with it. Have you been out yet?
Hugo

Hugo:

Does yours have a "Sig20" sticker on the side?

-Tad

Doesn't "Signal 20" mean some crazy dude? I know that's the callsign we used when we needed the cops to come beat the crap out of some crackhead who calls EMS... I think they call it "baker act" or "marshman act".

Sounds like a good team name!