Newbie - Getting a Horizon Cat

[ShotGunWillie]

Hi Folks,

I'll be picking up a used Horizon Cat in the next couple weeks.  I'd rather not divulge the details about it for now but I'm seeking your advice about what you would look for on a used Horizon.  I'm very familiar with boats in general and currently race Flying Scots.  We're looking for a trailerable boat, inboard diesel, simple to rig, overnighter for some basic gunk-holing.  It will be nice to give friends and family rides without the bruises and claw marks on the boat.  The Horizon Cat seems like a perfect boat for us. We live on a big inland lake and the cruising option sounds great.

I'm pretty sure I have the basics covered for an inspection but is there anything to watch out for?  I promise I'll fill in all the details but for now is there anything I should be aware of when inspecting the boat?  I just don't want to miss something if I can avoid it.  Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Willie  _____/)___/))_/)__O__(\__/)_ /)___(\_____

[rbh1515]

Sounds like you're pretty excited, and that you may be getting a great deal!  Horizon cats are pretty simple boats.  Solid fiberglass, no coring.  I would probably be looking for a hull- deck joint which leaks.  Check the thru-hulls.  Other than those things everything else should be obvious.
But.....this is what I would recommend:  buy a new Horizon Day Cat.  If you want to take people out sailing, the Horizon Cat has a tiny cockpit.  I think more than 3 people gets crowded.  I have had 6 adults on my HDC, and there is still room for more.  I think an inboard engine on a 20 footer is overkill.  I have a very light weight Torqedo 1003 on the back with a remote throttle, and it gets me in and out of the slip on Lake Michigan. Depending on the dealer, you can get a pretty good deal on a new HDC with a trailer.  I got mine with no exterior wood except for the tiller and bow sprit, so it's very low maintenance.  The HDC has a fair amount of wood, including the eye-brow which is a pain to refinish.
If you want to know what kind of deal I got, email me.
Rob

[rbh1515]

Pic of my HDC showing the large cockpit:

[ShotGunWillie]

Hi Rob,  Thanks for the reply! I like the Day Cat too (Great Picture!) but we want to stay a night or two on board from time to time.  90% of the time will be the two of us, now and then some guest for a day cruise.  The inboard is huge for me.  We live on a reservoir lake with lots of long fingers.  We live 3-4 miles up one of the fingers which is plenty wide enough to sail but if we want to get to the big water on a light wind day, we'll need to motor.  Probably more often than not.  Also we intend to trailer to other areas and would like to have the option for extended motoring.  I'll take a good look at the hull fit and thru hull connections as you suggest.

Any other advice is appreciated.  I'll update folks when I get it!  Thanks, Willie

[Mas]

Hmmm...i think i might have seen your boat! Won't divulge if so but if it is the one you are going to go see (initials on the name DB), she is a sweet looking craft! We just acquired a 23D (possibly same owner) and the concept of an inboard diesel was a huge plus for us as well. Have multiple reasons why diesels rule and just as many as to why outboards make sense. It really depends upon your needs. The 23's have a huge cockpit for their overall length and i believe the cats do as well so taking another couple for the day is fine. She will be sailed by just the two of us or single handed most of the time. Sounds like that is your situation as well. Keep us posted on your endeavor. You are welcome to pm me if you wish to find out if there is a connection with our two boats. Good luck!

[Craig]

To add to what Rob said......Do the usual checks on the diesel: cooling water flow, filters/water separator, oil condition, hoses. etc. Total engine hours will tell a lot as well.  Check the packing gland and cutlass bearing(if hours are low probably just fine). Also look for leaks around the ports. As to the cockpit being "tiny", tiny is in the eye of the beholder. We could do four in the Suncat but it was cozy. In comparison the HC cockpit is large. Frankly unless the boat is really large, four people is comfortable max, the HDC being the small boat exception. Even so, more than four people can be problematic for reasons other than space IMHO. All this being said the HC is a great boat. We love the diesel on Kailani. In actuality not having to deal with an OB when trailing is a plus. For one thing nobody is going to steal your diesel! Welcome and keep us posted

[Mas]

So.....ShotGunWillie did the Horizon Cat happen? We all are anxious to see if the adoption papers went through?