Post by DreamWeaver on Jan 11, 2014 14:03:29 GMT -5
Well, I was so excited about the new offering here in the states by RS unveiling their new RS Cat16 I could hardly contain myself this morning. At last (I thought), someone finally came out with a solo sailable cat that is durable (rotomolded hulls), mid-ship masted, lightweight and would be dynamite in light air. Once I started digging deeper my elation sunk to despair. After looking at the specs, I believe this will be a disappointment for those hoping for the above mentioned. Here's the nitty gritty;
Only 12 pound lighter than a H16
Mast is app' 1 foot shorter
Main sail area is 107 sq ft (65 square feet less than the 16 @172)
Weighs app 63 lbs more than the Wave and yet has only 14 sq feet more main sail area
Just looking at the basic spec's, this boat is grossly underpowered as anyone who's owned a 16/14 Wave would know.
I would guess this would be quicker than the new T2 from Hobie and would be a better option. The additional features of the RS like recesses on the sides of the hulls for carrying (granted that would be difficult for 2 people to pick up a 300+ pound boat and carry it any distance), a gen/spin setup, the innovative rigging/hull design, much lighter weight and the equal cost give it a clear advantage over the T2. Having sailed neither, I can only speculate. Hydrodynamics of the hull design would be a factor as well. Looks like building your own A-cat is still the only option. There are plenty of boats out there for fun; Wave, Getaway, T2. I think those bases have been covered already. Grief, not everyone wants to bring 30 people on the boat with them to go sailing! WTF!
Here's more for those interested:
www.rssailing.com/en/explore/rs-cat16
Only 12 pound lighter than a H16
Mast is app' 1 foot shorter
Main sail area is 107 sq ft (65 square feet less than the 16 @172)
Weighs app 63 lbs more than the Wave and yet has only 14 sq feet more main sail area
Just looking at the basic spec's, this boat is grossly underpowered as anyone who's owned a 16/14 Wave would know.
I would guess this would be quicker than the new T2 from Hobie and would be a better option. The additional features of the RS like recesses on the sides of the hulls for carrying (granted that would be difficult for 2 people to pick up a 300+ pound boat and carry it any distance), a gen/spin setup, the innovative rigging/hull design, much lighter weight and the equal cost give it a clear advantage over the T2. Having sailed neither, I can only speculate. Hydrodynamics of the hull design would be a factor as well. Looks like building your own A-cat is still the only option. There are plenty of boats out there for fun; Wave, Getaway, T2. I think those bases have been covered already. Grief, not everyone wants to bring 30 people on the boat with them to go sailing! WTF!
Here's more for those interested:
www.rssailing.com/en/explore/rs-cat16