[quote=shortyfox][quote]Yep...more to the discussion, so I'll weigh in...
Doesn't sail well? Name another boat of similar design in the size range that's rated faster under Portsmouth or SCHRS.
Pitchpoles easily? Oft-repeated B.S. Maybe easier than others with smaller sailplan, but that big ole jib that puts so much pressure on the bows is the schiznit downwind.
Doesn't tack well? Is there a boardless cat that does tack WELL?
Harder to set up? Please elaborate.
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Handicap ratings are very subjective and ratings tend to be close within any category like length, boards/boardless, etc. That being said, even minor differences in the way a boat is being sailed will make a difference in which boat is faster. Currently no beachcats that I know of except the H-16 are being produced with asymmetrical hulls. It was once believed that this hull shape was needed in order to make progress to windward. And it does work to a degree with a major downside; drag. For best performance, A H-16 should not be sailed flat (true with any beachcat) but especially one with asymmetrical hulls because they pull against each other. This may make the boat a little slower to tack but the main reasons beachcats tack slowly is because of their light weight and one hull has to travel a longer distance when coming about. Nacra addressed this problem by having a flexible joint between the tillers and the cross bar. When the helm's forty five degrees over the rudders can move slightly independent of one another.
I've never owned a H-16 but I've sailed plenty of them. One has to be careful walking the mast up because of that open area that's laced with shock cord that runs down the middle of the tramp. I remember you need a special fitting for the mast step. I also remember they have full battens on the jib that should be loaded/unloaded and they also have a tendency to catch on the halyards. When the main is sheeted down hard there is almost no boom clearance and the blocks can get together unless you have special low profile ones. The halyard lock is the old fashion kind that has a hook near the top of the mast. Not fun if the sun is directly overhead and plus the halyard has to be replaced every few years. Another thing that's probably not considered very often is when the rudders are up, they are not locked in the up position. It seems like often when I had the rudders up, one of the mainsheet blocks would get under the cross bar and lift it up releasing one of the rudders. Very annoying. Pitchpoling? Not too big an issue with experienced sailors but most of them have learned about that the hard way including myself. The fact that the H-16 hulls are more prone to diving under is not debatable. All of these factors still should not be a deal breaker however. The H-16 has a lot of owner support and parts are always available and plenty of one design racing. Identical boats are the only true fair way to race.
I owned a Nacra 500 for many years and for a boardless 16 ft beachcat, that one is hard to beat but finding one won't be easy compared to a H-16. It's a better made boat than
my G-Cat but doesn't sail as well in my opinion.
I still say for a first timer, a Hobie Getaway is worth a look.
And one thing I feel strongly about is a cat with dagger boards takes the "beach" out of beachcats.[/quote]
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