SunCat sailing...

[JimB]

Hi Y'all,
 I am certainly not a SunCat expert; in fact, as of today (9/9/04), we have been SunCat owners for 6 days.  When doing the research for a boat that trailers and sets up fast and easy, the SunCat quickly went to the top of our list.  The only problem was:  after sailing a high performance trimaran, would we be happy with a catboat (or any monohull, for that matter)?  The only way to know was to sail one of these boats.  I'm happy to answer that, yes, we are delighted with the SunCat.  I was attracted to this boat because of it's classy looks and the Mastender (TM) system for mast raising/lowering.  Our test sail was in winds 15-20; with a reefed sail, the boat quickly accelerated to 5.5 mph and topped out at 6.3.  We were impressed with how she handled, like a much larger boat.  In higher gusts, the boat wanted to round up; quick adjustment of the mainsheet took care of that.  Motion through short, close waves was good.  A few days later, she showed that she can move along in light winds, as well.  She not only looks good, she sails well, too!

 In a five day trip, we spent three nights aboard.  It took a night to figure out how to best set up the cabin, but we have found it very comfortable for the two of us.  We bought this boat to be our "trailer sailor" (the tri will stay in the water) and take to other sailing venues when the urge strikes... she looks to be just right for this purpose.

 The previous owner set her up nicely.  Some additions that make her better/safer are: tow rails (really help when going forward), lazy jacks, cockpit cushions, bimini, solar fan, anchor roller, PVC trailer guides.  The boat launches and retrieves easily, and trailers like a dream.  The Mastender (TM) makes mast raising/lowering a snap.  The second time we launched her, it took just under 15 minutes from pulling up to the ramp to sailing away... and I think it will get faster with more practice.

 It's not a bluewater cruiser with luxury accomodations, but the SunCat is a well designed, well built pocket cruiser that you can easily haul to the next ramp.  Friendly and unintimidating, but a fine sailing boat.  Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from us.

Happy Sails to You,
Jim B.
P J Puddlejumper, Com-Pac SunCat

[Gil Weiss]

Jim,

Your Sun Cat report is very informative. They sure are great looking boats. As you gain more experience with this craft please keep all of us informed.

[john walker]

I've owned many sailboat's, but our suncat has drawn the most compliments of any (including a compac 27), sails good, but likes a little breeze, lazy jack's a must.  johnny walker, cedar river MI