What to look for when buying a NACRA 5.2?

swaompfox

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 01, 2008

Last visit: Sep 20, 2015

Posts: 24
Posted: Aug 31, 2015 - 10:31 PM

Hey everyone,

On a fluke from another Hobie 16 purchase I got a call from someone selling a Nacra 5.2. I am making a 4hr drive to look at it and possibly buy it so I was wondering if their are any bad things associated with the 5.2 I should look for. Are there any bad years?

The 5.0 is a great boat thanks again for all the help.

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NACRA 5.0 (current)
Hobie 16 90945 (current) Rehabbed and sold to many to count.
Hobie 18 (formerly)
Hobie 17 (formerly)
Hobie 14 (formerly)
Goshen, IN
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cezo823

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 22, 2011

Last visit: Oct 10, 2018

Posts: 187
Posted: Sep 01, 2015 - 09:02 AM

Only a few of the same things apply as buying a hobie 16. The hulls are not constructed the same so the soft spot thing doesn't really apply, they are way thinner than the 16. I see that you have a 5.0 which is also a little more robust but similar. Pretty typical things to look for. The later 5.2's have a few differences and some upgrades like the spreader configuration on the mast. I'd check the traveler and traveler track and see if it needs replaced. Take a look at the transoms, make sure that all is good around that area as well as the dagger board trunks. I think that most everything else is similar to buying other catamarans, and most everything can be replaced/upgraded pretty easily on these guys.

ALSO, very cool to see that you are from Goshen! My wife is orginally from Goshen and I am originally from Elkhart. We live up by Grand Rapids now. We should keep in touch, I sail out of St Joe quite a bit and I race in portage weekly. Our season is about done but you should consider it for next year. A great fleet. austinlakecatamaran.com.
Where do you sail?

Good luck and happy sailing. Let me know if you don't buy it. :)

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Cesar (Cez) S.
Hobie 16 (had a few)
Nacra 5.2 "Hull Yeah"
Vectorworks XJ - A class (not named yet)
West Michigan (Grand Rapids/Holland Area)
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