Alternative to a Wildcat?

[paulrack]

If there was a choice I would much rather take the Island Spirit. It is a great design.

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Dragon Lady

Thanks, I've found an e mail address for Kevin at the website for Knysna Yacht Company so I'll try and contact him.
Has there been any explaination of the delam issue with these boats?
Is there a specific area that it occurs?
Have any boats experienced structural failure?...37?

A friend of mine owned one and said the delamination issue was present yet not too much of a bother. He does post here on the forum from time to time. You can PM him here at SurfNRG and I'm certain he'll tell you what you need to know.

I will say that those Wildcat 350's are a fantastic looking boat under sail. I never missed the opportunity to snap a few photos of his boat when ever our paths crossed.

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks I'll see what Kevin has to say, in the mean time I notice that there are some Leopard 38s going at a reasonable prices so I may take a look at them too.

[TaoJones]

I meant to provide the following link when this thread first appeared, but I didn't have it handy at the time. Anyway, be sure to check out the detailed information you can find at bumfuzzle | sail repair emails. Pat and Ali Schulte not only experienced the very delamination problem you asked about, but they kept a detailed log of all their correspondence with the Charter Cats principals (still in business at that time.)

While it's impossible to know that all other Wildcats have the delam issues Pat and Ali experienced, or even that any other Wildcat is similarly affected, the emails between them and the folks at the builder are enlightening, all the same, and serve to provide a pretty good picture of the company building the Wildcat 35.

TaoJones

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks TaoJones,

There seems to be a fair bit of speculation on this subject and looking at the current market prices there seems to be a fair bit of risk purchasing one of these boats, I think I may consider spending a bit more on a bigger more proven boat.