Decided to buy a new Hoizon Day Cat

[rbh1515]

Went out on a regular Horizon Cat to see how it sails, and really liked it.  My Catalina 28 is being listed today.
So....what options should I get?  I am going with an outboard; not sure yet if gas, propane or a Torqeedo.  Have plenty of time to decide.
How about other options?  Does anyone sail their cat with a loose footed sail?  Most boats I have sailed have a loose footed main.
Number of reef points--should I get a second set.  I sail on Lake Michigan  and 15-20 knot winds are not uncommon.  I would hate to miss out on those day!
I'll definitely get Lazy Jacks, but probably not a boom kicker, at least not initially.
I'll get cleats on each side, midship.
Does anyone put a wind indicator at the top of the mast, or just tell tails on the shrouds?
Anything else?
Rob

[Rahn]

I had a windex on the mast of my Horizon Cat and also had wind indicators on the shrouds since I often sailed with the bimini up. I often sailed in 20 plus knot winds with a single reef but I would go with two if the option is there. I also bought a boom kicker which I used for one season and then didn't after that but there are people who love theirs. For lazy jacks, look up Capt Nemo's simple lazy jacks which he wrote about on this site. I installed traditional ones but would have tried his if I had known.

I sold my Horizon Cat in the spring (got an offer I couldn't refuse) and really miss it.

[carry-on]

I am not a HC sailor.If I were, would ask Jerry about a tiller vs. the wheel and would consider a Bimini.

What an enjoyable set of choices you are facing!

[rbh1515]

I am definitely getting a tiller.  Also, since I'm up north, no Bimini.
Rob

[blighhigh]

I  installed the Raymarine version of TackTic.  It provides wind speed and apparent wind while having the joy of being wireless and solar charged.    For security the unit in the cockpit is easily removed and stored inside the cabin.  I have never felt the need for a second set of reef points.  The reefing system that I use is one continuous line brought back to the cockpit on the port side.

[rbh1515]

Bligh,
Is that the standard reeling system?  Are you sailing a HC?

[blighhigh]

I do sail a Horizon Cat but used a reefing system that I had on a Seward 26.

[Craig]

Bimini is a great option. I really like the Boomkicker. Had one on the Suncat and on Kailani. It is a set and forget device. Once adjusted there are no lines to pull or adjust as in a traditional topping lift.Has additional benefit of damping boom slatting in very light air. We also have the Mack Pack sailcover/lazyjack system. Drop sail into Mack Pack sailcover,(Boomkicker supports the boom)zip up and you are done. Very easy! We chose the Mack Pack because it is not sewn to the sail like some other systems. As Kailani is configured we do not have to ease the lazyjacks while sailing. None of these options are cheap but what price can you put on hassle-free sailing? With the huge cockpit of the HDC there is plenty of space for the tiller to swing whereas in the std HC the wheel frees up more useable cockpit space. If backing out of a slip is an issue I think the wheel is a little easier. With an outboard I would take a look at the Powertiller system which puts shift and throttle controls right on the tiller. Had it on the Suncat and positively loved it!

[rbh1515]

Thanks for the advise on the boomkicker.