Which Cat?

Definitely buy a Hurricane. The Class Association and Andy Webb give huge support to newcomers which is great. The boat is very tough and well mannered to sail. You'll also find a decent boat in your budget.

Hi Dan,

I've sailed Hurricanes and Nacra 6s quite a lot in the past (before cats had kites).  They are both nice boats and they are similar sizes and speeds (the Nacra is a fraction faster).  The Hurricane has centreboards whereas the Nacra has daggerboards - the daggerboards give marginally better upwind performance, but are not so good if you are at risk of running aground.  The Nacra is boomless, a little heavier (stronger?), has a slightly more modern hull shape (sort of wave piercing and the hulls are made in left and right hand halves rather than lower hull and deck joined on top - gives a gives a rounder deck edge) and has a forward beam that adds a bit of strength and means the jib is a bit bigger.

I think you would be happy with either, but would probably recommend the Hurricane.  You will have a lot of fun in it, it will be easier to sell on (they are more numerous here) and the centreboards are more practical.  Don't be put off by the fact it is a twenty year old design - it is still an excelelnt boat and it suits your needs much better than a F18. 

Originally posted by DanW What are the fundamental differences between a hurricane and say a nacra, in regards to performance, simplicity, ease of handling, durability etc. Also has anyone an opinion or any experience with the hobie pacific. looks pretty awesome with the wings.

Big question!  I just want to sit back first and go through some of the options, and then your question will probably answer itself.

The Hurricane 5.9 was designed much the same as the tornado (1970s I think).  It is 20 ft long and has a lot of power (all 20 ft cats do!), but the power is controlable.  The 5.9 is designed as a racing cat and has recently had the SX rig added as an option which gives a different jib and a spinnaker.  It will easily carry the weight, and you will be able to pick one up quite cheaply.  Warning, if you buy a 2 sail boat and you want to upgrade it to an SX rig in the future the upgrade will cost you iro £1500.

F18s are numerous, powerful and fun.  You can pick an older one up for your budget.  However, at 165kg in new money, you are very heavy for the boat and so if you want to race it at some point you won't be as competitive as lighter crews.  F18s can dent easily too.

Nacras, there is a wide range.  You would probably go for a Nacra F20, a 20ft F18 which will carry your weight very well.  The Nacra F20 is a much more modern design than the Hurricane and has 3 sails.  There isn't all that much fleet racing though in the UK.  Again you should be able to pick one up within your budget.  I have a lot of Nacra contacts so pm me if you are thinking along these lines.

You have also mentioned the Hobie Pacific.  The Pacific is a learning/cruising cat rather than a race cat.  It is essentially an F18 without the daggerboards and a more forgiving rig.  But saying that it is still fast enough to give you a big thrill when cruising but if you ever want to take it to an event you won't find any others to race against.  It is going to be slightly more robust than the others in terms of dents etc.

OK, so to try and answer your question.

Both the Nacra and the Hurricane handle very well.  Both are prob the same for durability.  Not many Hurricanes are made any more but there are more on the water in the UK.

If you are thinking of the pacific, you need to realise that it is a much 'cut down' version of the Nacra or the Hurricane.  But, it still has its place in the market and it might be for you.

What are the fundamental differences between a hurricane and say a nacra, in regards to performance, simplicity, ease of handling, durability etc. Also has anyone an opinion or any experience with the hobie pacific. looks pretty awesome with the wings.

You could pick up a cheap Dart 18 around the £1000 - £1500 try it for a bit and sell it on if you don't like it.  I'm sure you wouldn't lose much money on it, if any.

Great fleet and class commitee.  Try their class website for buying guide etc -

www.dart18.com