My sons are now old enough such that I think its time to get them into sailing and was looking at getting a beach cat.

There is a 14" caper cat for sale near me for $1500. I'll view it during the week but the seller tells me the hulls, sails and trailer are all in very good condition, although its about 20 years old.

I really like the concept of a caper cat with its storage for camping etc, but can't find any others for sale to compare it to. Do you think this is a reasonable deal and a good choice for me and my early teenage sons?

Cheers Harry, Will do.

I'm glad I asked before looking at it, thanks for that.

Yes at this stage I'm only after a cat for family entertainment, although that said I'd love to get a Nacra, but the fun police won't allow that sort of investment. ;)

That vid does look good. I've got my gopro ready for action once I get the cat. I'll just have to take it off my quadcopter first. ;)

ok the calypso caper 14" wasn't so good, but now there are 2 more options available near me.

A much better looking calypso 14" and a timber hulled mosquito. The calypso 14 has been sailed regularly(unlike the caper 14" which looks like its been sitting in a paddock for a few years) and kept under cover and the mosquito has just been reconditioned so I don't know what its like under the paint.

I assume the mosquito at 16" will out perform the calypso and has good clubs here in SA, but I'm only getting it to get the sons away from their Xboxes.

Any advice on these 2? they're similarly priced although the mosquito is a bit cheaper. I'm just a bit concerned what the timber hulls will be like under the paint.

Mosquitos are good fun and cheap to had if you can find a good one. Dont be affraid of Nacras, infact probably even the most exciting boat I ever owned. Boomless and pretty safe in that regard. I purchased the boat from a dealer secondhand and still sold it for the same money or very close to it. Perfect for Adelaide waters, gulfs, lake alexandrina, coorong. Not as forgiving as most and yes I beaked it quite a bit, you dont have to sail with it hardened up though. Not a bad investment in my eyes.

Thanks for that Ramona, AB & LC!!

I tried to join the catsailor forum, but never received the email to verify my login details. I have since emailed the admin there, but still not heard back. I can see their for sale section, but none of the photos. :( They might not have liked the fact I put "landyacht" when they asked what type of cat I have. :)