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[quote=Edchris177][quote]I'd like to be able to carry 3 to 4 adults. I basically want to learn to sail, and have some fun [/quote] Did you make a typo above (N4.7), & actually meant an N5.7? There are a few 5.7 owners here, that was the first Cat I bought. They are relatively simple boats, & will kick the can off a Hobie 16, though you are not comparing apples to apples. The 5.7 is just a tad under 19' & carries a 30' mast. I have had 2 adults & 2 teens on mine. Obviously you won't get top performance, but if you just want to cruise they will carry that weight easily, without appearing to be on the verge of sinking. There are no lines coming through the tramp on the 5.7, it makes for a large "lounging space", I have not had any problem sourcing parts. Make sure the expensive items are all there. Unroll the sail & jib & go over them closely. Look for tears along the lower portion of the bolt rope, & in the batten pockets. Head plate & clew plate should not have the holes showing tons of wear. The jib tends to wear out first, look for loose stitches near the clew. Make sure all battens are included, & they are not broken. Main & jib blocks good condition. Tramp stitching should still be sound & grommets not pulling out. The adjustable rudder tie bar is worthwhile to have. You will need an extend-able (8') tiller bar to solo on the wire. It should have double trapezes on each side. Look closely at dolphin striker rod, it should not be bent. Ask him outright if the hulls are watertight. (He can always lie, but if he is an honest shooter he may tell you the real condition) Most Cats take on a bit of water, especially when lying on their side, but you shouldn't get 5 gallons after 2 days sail. Look closely where the shrouds attach to the hull, & the bridle wire attach points near the bow. Slight cracking of the gelcoat is normal, but they shouldn't look as if the fittings are corroded badly, salt water use will be harder on the boat. The sides of the hull will "oil can" if you push on them, you will be able to flex the hull between the internal stringers, but it shouldn't feel flimsy. An '84 year is solid glass, it won't be foam sandwich. The decks of the hulls should also be mostly firm, though you will be able to slightly deflect some areas between the stringers. Make a long list, then you can check each item off as you inspect it, & account for deficiencies and/or missing items. Try to get decent PFDs & a couple of harnesses with the deal, that will save you $$. Also a paddle, righting line & bag are worth over $100. I solo mine quite bit, & with even a smaller (120lb) crew on the wire, they really fly. Do a search of the forums, & browse the members albums for 5.7 stuff. About a year ago Nacraman57 was asked if a new sailor should go with the smaller 5.0 or the 5.7 He has both & voted 100% for the 5.7 If your sailing area has shallows you will really like the boardless design. Boomless is also simple, the 5.7 rigs up very quickly, though you will need an extra hand to step the mast, unless you get creative & Mcgyver a system to do it solo. Lots of ideas about that have been posted. I sailed mine nearly 40 days last summer, up here in Canada. I don't contend with surf, but as a first Cat I don't think I could have done better. It is not such a beast as to frighten off the new sailor, yet it is not so tame that you get bored after the first month. Powered up in 20 mph is still a wild ride solo. Just stick to no more than 10 mph til you get a handle on things. Some of the older Catamaran books would be very helpful if you have never sailed before. Catamaran Sailing: From Start to Finish & Catamaran Racing (phil Berman) can be found cheaply. Catamaran Racing for the 90's Rick White is also very good. There are 2 manuals here for the '84 ish N5.7 Look under Photo Albums Tech Tips (pg 2) If you scroll to the bottom you can download each manual as a complete PDF file. http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures/?g2_itemId=35212[/quote]

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