Newbie in Stanwood, WA

Hi all!
I'm a first time poster but have been reading the forums here since last fall, when I was looking to buy a cat. All of the info posted here was very helpful in finding the right boat. I was pretty confident in knowing what to look for, and more importantly, what to stay away from. So thanks for the wealth of knowledge.
I ended up finding a '77 H14 in pretty good condition, and am now in the process of cleaning it up to get ready for this season. I have just a few newbie questions that I haven't seen answered anywhere else.
First, are there any cat sailors in the 7 lakes region around Stanwood, WA, or nearby?
Is it worth getting the trap wire and dolphin striker, but not upgrading to the turbo? I can't afford the jib and hardware to rig it, it would cost more than I paid for the boat. Will I be able to trap without a jib? I'm 6'2" 160 lbs. I'll also post in the H14 forum. Thanks for the help.

Yes, you should get the trap set and dolphin striker, and no, you are not too big. Quite a few of the past national champions are heavier than your 160lbs. Check out the photos from previous 14 Nationals (non-turbo) and you'll see how much fun trapping out on a 14 is. Turbo rig is fun, but not necessary. One of the things I learned early on is to have my rudders balanced so I'm not fighting them while trapping out. Makes for a much more enjoyable sail.

Maybe you can sail over to Oak Harbor in August while I'm visiting some relatives and we can check out your boat, lol.

You might want to come down to Sail Sand Point next Saturday, April 30 see www.sailsandpoint.org We are having an auction, which includes three H-14. They will go cheap. Might pick up some stuff you could use.
Caleb Tarleton

hobieokc,
Thanks for the info. When in August are you going to be in WA? I'm getting married in the beginning of the month, so if you're coming towards the end of August, the wife will probaby love to get me out of her hair for the day. Maybe we can set something up.

We should be there from Aug 25 thru Aug 30th. If you can, send me your info and we'll check out your boat.