Hey guys, wondering if you can give me some advice. I left the Uk a few years ago in search of hotter climates, all well and good, but sick to death of the obsession with sailing cats they have here. I have decided to buy a merlin and have it shipped out here. I have certain questions I hope some may be abe to help with.

1) What is the best model for weight carrying?
2) Which models perform best on the sea?
3) Are there any boats currently on the list between 2-3k that people would advise.

Thanks for any help!!!

Have a look through the design guide on this web site.

Although the NSM 4 was designed for leightweights, there are a few in your price range and it will be good on the sea. Have a look at the Turner built one on the for sale list for example.

HI
Where is out here? If it is South Africa I leave tomorrow for UK winter/ SA summer in Port Owen - sadly without the Merlin - but maybe another year. I am amazed at the cat dominance of small and large boats in SA. The winds appear to be mainly light with the odd storm. Would suit a Merlin very well but not cats I would think. I'd be glad to meet up with you and help all I can if you happen to be in Western Cape. Email [email protected]

Hi I have an NSM 4 which will be for sale, turner built, square top hoop, fully djustable superspar rig, new rules twin carbon poles, its just been re varnished by synthesize yachts and had the centre board re-faired and painted and new slot gasket. comes with launch trolley and combi. looking for about £1,800.

sounds interesting. Do you have any pictures or further information? History of the boat etc? please e-mail me on [email protected] Many Thanks

Mike in answer to your question its not SA, but I have noticed a die hard devotion to Cats most places I have been outside of the UK. I have no idea why this is, but its fairly depressing, now it may be that I am not a good enough sailor to make them exciting, but they turn SOOOOOOOOOOOOO slowly and even though generally they sit lower in the water, you just dont get the same feeling of speed you get in a Merlin, plus they are far too stable, wheres the fun if you know its virtually impossible to capsize? ok take a breath now

You don't say where you live but it seems to be hot!  A word of warning from one who has been an expat in hot climes.  Wooden boats are a pain to maintain when it is very hot.  FRP is much easier.

whilst I am obviously a Merlin person, I have to say that high power sailing in a Cat is very exhilarating.  I used sail Hobie 16 off shore Durban.  Hard to beat! Not sure about low in water, the trick was to go through the waves without cartwheeling.  Yes they turn slow, but its an art.  You did not want to miss the lay line, especially cos of tide.

Not bashing cat sailing by any means, just doesnt do it for me quite as much as the Merlin

Vechies Pier???? I was racing hobies there too!!

Vechies.  The very same.  1986-88.  Lost a few against the harbour wall!

So where are you then?
Difference between say Lake Titicaca and Punte Arenas!

96-00, was natal champ and SA hobie 14 champ 99-01

(96-00?)

1996 - 2000, hows that??

Ebay has a Tales for £1200

Well, at least a starting bid of of £1200

This would be a good option for you. This is one of the Turner GRP/FRP hulls, finished with a wooden deck. Gives you the best of both worlds. It is listed on the for sale list.

It was purchased acouple of years back by a young laser sailer, whos interest moved away from sailing and so it hasn't got much use recently.

Same boat!

Yes! That was the point of the posting. That the boat on e-bay, also on the for sale list would meet the criterea.

Note: whilst the decks are wood, they are painted white.

It also gives the ability to guess the reserve price! I would guess £1950

Lol for an extra 50 quid you could have mine with a carbon rig.

OK it's not a tales but as you won't be racing any tales it wouldn't be a problem.

The price expectation, is probably why he hasn't shifted it.

thanks for all the help guys. Jon can you give me the details of yours please?

link to for sale of Jon's boat

Bear in mind that the rig in the photo is out of date - the new mast is black and the spinnaker is bigger!