Two boats. You can only choose one ! Which and why?

Essentially same price point

1. Nacra 500: good reputation. Made overseas. No self tacking or roller furling jib. Double trap. Boomless main. From what I hear no issue with parts availability. I believe 6:1 Harken main

2. ARC 17 (think Super Cat but improved). Made in USA. Reputation for solid build. Reputation as very WET boat. Comes with self tacking jib. Standard double trap. Built in righting system. Simple sail plan (no jib lines). 8:1 Harken main

Not mass produced. Does this mean better build??

Either can be retro fitted with spin at a later date.



Edited by saltspray on Jun 17, 2014 - 12:12 PM.

I've had a newer 500 (2000) and a SC 17 (1985) and liked them both a whole lot. If your looking at a newer ARC I would choose it. Aquarius has the best customer service out there and their build quality is super nice. They don't cut corners or skimp on things.

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Mac
Midlands South Carolina
AHPC Viper USA 366
A Cat USA 366
Super Cat 17
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no links????

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1975 P16 "Spring Rain"Sail # 642
Home Built 2004 Optimist-Delta "Unity"
So old it has Dino hide for a sail Chrysler "Pirateer"
Steve
Oyama BC
Lat 50.1167 N
Long 119.3667 W
1700 ft
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Quote

Posted: Jun 17, 2014 - 01:08 PM
no links????

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1975 P16 "Spring Rain"
Sail # 642
Optimist-Delta "Unity"

Steve
Shuswap Lake BC
Lat 119Deg22'54"

Here you go:

http://www.aquarius-sail.com/catamarans/arc17/index.htm

http://www.aquarius-sail.com/catamarans/arc17/standard.htm

http://www.nacrasailing.com/nacra-500/

I just googled self tacking jib for a cat. I must be a slow sailor and not the best tacker because I back-wind the jib the complete a tack quickly. Is this not the case for a modern cat with a good skipper?

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FYC, Nacra 5.2 "Chris's Flyer" & Nacra Playcat & Farrier Tramp
Previously owned: Trac 14, H14, H16, H18, N5.0, G-cat 5.0
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If your on the Hobie 14/16 in your avatar, back winding the jib is pretty typical. Those boats are pretty unforgiving to tack. You may improve with easing the main more and sheeting the jib earlier in the process.

Its not the case on a modern boat driven properly. We sheet the jib and generally let it do it's own thing during tacks.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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