New Catamaran needs fixing

[DriftwoodSam]

Hey everybody,
I'm new to sailing, not experienced. I just bought a 16 foot catamaran from a friend of mine (he just wanted it out of his front yard). I don't know anything about boats, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try something new.
The boat is about 30 years old, it has fiberglass pantoons and deck between them. i've cleaned all the dirt and leaves off of it and realized that I have no idea how to connect the mast to the boat. I think the rivets that are supposed to be there have long since deteriorated and i'm sure i'm missing a piece or two, i just don't know what.
Also, how do i go about making it legal to put in the water? i was doing the guy a favor by taking it off his hands, so i don't have the pink slip or registration or anything. i simply have a boat that i'm not sure even floats, haha.
Can anyone give me some advice? its greatly appreciated...
-D. Sam

[David M]

Hello Sam,
In case your neighbor is not interested, I would find someone who knows this type of boat. My first guess is that it is a Hobie 16. There are lots of people who still sail these boats. Many are members of Hobie fleets that are all over the US. Google "Hobie Fleet" and find the nearest fleet to you. Get hooked up with these people and I am most certain they would be willing to give an opinion of the condition of your boat and perhaps teach you how to sail your boat.

Also, you step your mast on a Hobie by attaching a hinge to your mast step that connects to the base of your mast as well. You make sure you have your sidestays connected, your teflon mast swivel in place and hoist away. You will need a helper to connect your forestay to your bridal. Don't try this without seeing someone else doing it first. A falling mast can be very dangerous. Also your boat may or may not have a "comp tip" meaning a plastic section on your upper mast which cannot conduct electricity. You dont necessarily need one to learn how to sail, but you will need one if you want to race.

Have fun with your new boat.

David

[Steve Rust]

How about a few pictures so we have an idea of what boat we are dealing with.

[freetime]

Catamaran Sailor Magazine

Good place for smaller catamarans...