Looking to crew/rent somehow try a cat in So California

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I think I'm falling in love with the little Hobie Cat's, however, I've never sailed one before, and would really like to get on one, preferably in the ocean, but really anywhere, before I make the commitment of time and money I know any sailboat becomes.

Are there any places one can rent a Hobie cat for the day in Southern California?
Are there any organizations which have loaner boats or lessons?
Is there a place that would be appropriate post a notice and see if someone wants to take out an amature crewman for a quick sail?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

-- James

If in San Diego, try Mission Bay Yacht Club. (858) 488-0501. There is a strong cat fleet there. No rentals, but almost any cat member will take you for a sail. If closer to LA, try ABYC. or the launch ramp at Longbeach.

You can rent H16s from The Bahia and the Catamaran Hotels on mission bay in San Diego. Wouldnt recomend it tho. Did the same thing before i bought my boat and they charged me something like 135 for 3 hours. I was so pissed off. They counted the time it took the guy to rig up the sails and fix the rudder which wouldnt lock. Took atleast 30+ minutes to do that and i got charged for it. Complete BS


If you go to Long Beach/San pedro. Go the the clairemont launch ramp on Ocean Street. Its a beach launch, the best one in OC/LA area in my opinion. Most of the cat sailors go there. Ive taken out random people on the beach because i needed a crew so im sure you could find someone single handin' it and ask them to take you out. Just tell them your story. I know id be more than happy to take out a potential hobie cat buyer for a test ride.

You can also look on the OC/LA craigslist. I dont know if he's doing it anymore, but over the summer there was a guy who was renting out his hobie 16 for $20/hr or $60 for the day (or something like that).

_________________
1971 H16 (sail #1768)

To all of you on the Hobie Forum... I love you guys!!!
thanks for all the help!