I recently sold my 35' O'Day sloop and missed it immediately.
So, I found a 2008 SunCat 17 and bought it on the spot.
I've sailed it a couple of times and so far, I love it! But, I also found that it handles very differently than my sloop rig did.
I downloaded Ed's sailing manual and have read it through several times. There's still a lot I have to learn.
I live in the Destin Florida area and sail on the Choctawhatchee Bay. If there is anyone in the area that has experience sailing a gaff rigged catboat and would be willing to sail with me for an afternoon and try to teach this old dog a few new tricks, I'd really be appreciative.
Tommy
TJMay,
Bring it down to SW Florida, Charlotte Harbor, and I'll show you how to make that Cat purr like a kitten.
Recently sold 2010 Sun Cat "Frisky" after 5 1/2 years of sailing and extensively modifying her, so I KNOW THE BOAT!
Otherwise just take it slow and easy - the more tiller time you get the better.
Just remember, we don't sheet Sun Cat booms inside the stern cleats!
Sail safely,
capt_nemo