New Member Intro. (Horizon Cat)

[Aldebaran_III]

Hi,
we are Derek and Marilyn. We just ordered a Horizon Cat, and are counting the weeks until it is built and shipped down to us.
We originally looked at a Suncat but decided it was a little too small for the local sailing conditions down here in the Caribbean (St.Maarten).
The forum was a great source of info when we were making the decision to buy.
Regards to all.

[kahpho]

Hello and welcome to our little potlatch.

I understand the anxious waiting for a new boat to arrive and the joy when it finally does. Lucky you! Your sailing grounds are something many of the rest of us would be envious of!

mel

[Bob23]

Hi Derek and Marilyn:
   Congrats in advance on your new Horizon Cat. When it arrives, be sure to post some photos here. As a welcome, we'll all fly down to help you sail it...we'll only stay a week or two and for the most part, will bring our own beer. At least some of it!
   Again, congrats and welcome!
Bob23 and 1985 23/2 "Koinoina"  in NJ

[Subsailor637]

Welcome aboard and congratulations on the new Horizon Cat!  I just bought my brand new Horizon at Strictly Sail in Chicago.  Although mine was already built I am still waiting for delivery as I had Hutchins make some changes and am adding a depth sounder/GPS.  It's going to be a great sailing season getting to know the ins and outs of sailing a gaff rig.

[Aldebaran_III]

Thanks to all for the best wishes. Latest estimate is shipping late May and arrival in June, so excitement levels will rise exponentially next month! I'll certainly have the camera out.
Subsailor637, I think we saw a photo of your Horizon at the Chicago show, that's a nice looking boat.
We're downsizing, our last boat was much bigger and wheel steering, but for the Horizon I'm having it fitted with tiller. I prefer the feel of a tiller on a smaller boat, plus it is much cheaper and easier to fit an autopilot if we decide to have one.

[Rahn]

I think the tiller instead of the wheel was a good choice though I have gotten used to the wheel. I would like an autohelm but not at over $2000.

[InertBert]

Boy is that ever a gorgeous looking boat.  Now I just need to think of a way to convince my wife to want(allow) one.  It might be easier to convince her to move to St. Maarten, but I'll work on the boat part first.  Please keep us posted.