New Sailer: Need Advice on Purchasing

[tstelz]

Hello,
I recently began my hobby of sailing. In the last two months, I completed a beg/intermediate small boat sailing course using 14 foot Catalina Capri's in the Los Alamitos Bay of Long Beach, CA.
I am planning on moving to Northern California and will be spending a lot of time at a local lake. I have heard that the 14 foot Catalina Capri's don't handle waves very well, so I am looking of a boat that handles waves and a decent amount of wind (doing research on the average knots for the lake and will update later), and that I can sail by myself. I understand that there will be a learning curve with a new boat, but I do feel confident with a Capri. Any advice will be helpful.
Also, someone recommend looking at a Laser or Sunfish. Thoughts?

 

[tstelz]

Also, I am a 5'7" female, 150 lbs, moderately athletic. I'm sure this will be a large factor in handling a boat solo.

 

[SFS]

We teach in the 16.5 Capri, and I suspect it would handle small waves fine. Haven't investigated, as our club doesn't want the Capri's out in more than 17 knots, and the bay has little fetch to facilitate seas more than about a foot at 17 knots.

It has a main and a jib, so you need to be able to deal with that if you are solo. The line for the roller furler is on the "cabin" top, and would require moving all the way forward in the cockpit to douse the jib. The tiller extension may not be long enough to reach, so a mod may be necessary. But for 2 or 3 folks, it's a good boat to learn in. It has a fixed keel.

 

[shemandr]

To answer your question I don't think a Sunfish or Laser is a better platform to learn sailing on than a Capri 14. According to Sailboatdata.com the Catalina Capri "14" has a sail area/displacement of 36.17, which indicates a handful in a breeze.
I can always Rx a Rhodes 19 which is sweet sailing boat, with stability, a real cockpit and will bring you home without drama. I would want the keel version over the centerboard so the depth of water that you are sailing in would be important.

 

[Joe]

I would talk to the sailors on the lake you'll be sailing. Take a drive up there and make some friends in the parking/launch area..... might get a crew opportunity and maybe even a lead on an available boat.

 

[jssailem]

Suggest you explore the Montgomery 15. Great boat. Was sailed from LA to Hawaii so can handle you waves and breezes. Look it up.

 

[jssailem]

Here is a link to some small boat ideas.
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/a-big-step-down-updated.151531/

 

[Kings Gambit]

IMHO, a West-Wight Potter 19; but there is also a 15-ft model.
https://www.westwightpotter.com/products/potter-19/
https://www.westwightpotter.com/products/potter-15/

 

[David in Sandusky]

I'd go with the Capri. You know the boat, and you can start with it on the lake. Then you can think about upgrading among the sailors, and knowing the conditions of the lake.

 

[SailormanDan]

I agree with David to start with what you know. Possibly you could talk to the sailors there, or is there a marina where you could go look at what boats are there? (both in the water & in dry slips - trailers or racks)
I feel the Sunfish is a step down and wouldn't be as much fun. Lasers are faster & wet if that's what you want.

 

[Justin_NSA]

For wind and waves, I think you would be happier with a small, dry, keelboat. The M17 might fit the bill.

 

[Alansails]

Catalina owners are very brand loyal and we have owned a 22 , a 25 and now our 310. we might at some point go back to a capri and I like the 16.5, fun boat, easily put together and sailed by one, 2 or 4. No cabin to speak of.
I would start looking at sailing clubs or folks who own one and ask them to go out with them. I am sure they will be happy to tell you the attributes of their boat. HAVE FUN Sailing!