The Best Cat Boat: Smooth Sailing With Cats

Cat boats, or catamarans, are a type of boat that offers stability, improved performance in heavy seas, and an open deck layout. They are commonly used for fishing and sailing. When it comes to fishing catamarans, manufacturers such as Barker, Calcutta, Insetta, Invincible, and World Cat offer a range of models with different features and specifications. For sailing catamarans, the Marshall 22 and Marshall 18 Sanderling are popular choices, known for their simple elegance and ability to explore shallow waters. The X-Cat, an Austrian beach catamaran, stands out for its versatility, ease of assembly, and option for rowing or electric motor propulsion.

With a variety of options available, the best cat boat depends on individual preferences, intended use, and specific features desired. Whether for fishing, sailing, or leisure cruising, cat boats offer a unique experience on the water.

Catamarans for offshore fishing

Catamarans are becoming an increasingly popular choice for offshore fishing, rivalling long-established monohull models in the 30- to 50-foot range for bluewater dominance. Their rise in popularity can be attributed to advances in computer-aided engineering, boat-building materials, and powerful new motors, which have led to the development of bigger and more capable models.

One of the leading brands in the multihull fishing boat market is World Cat. Their 325CC model is a centre-console catamaran fishing machine with a two-tone hull, improved removable transom seating, and increased insulated storage. It features bow seating for six adults, port and starboard insulated 56-gallon fish lockers, and a 26-gallon centre fish box.

Another standout catamaran for offshore fishing is the Barker 40HPFC, which is Barker Boatworks' first foray into the multihull market. This high-performance fishing catamaran is designed by Michael Peters and features a double-stepped multihull for greater lift and efficiency. It includes quad Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8 outboards, an Optimus 360 joystick control system, and a 10-year warranty.

For those seeking a more unique fishing catamaran, the Insetta 35 IFC is designed to ride on a hydrofoil at cruise speed, improving fuel economy by up to 40%. This catamaran includes a 156-gallon insulated coffin box, eight bow rod holders, twin 30-gallon transom livewells, and a fold-down bait-prep station.

If you're in the market for a larger catamaran, the Calcutta 480 is a custom-built, 51-foot multihull fishing boat with a super-wide 17-foot beam. Calcutta offers two interior configurations: a diesel inboard-powered express with a fully enclosed bow and a quad outboard-powered pilothouse model with a walkaround deck layout.

Finally, the Renaissance Prowler is a custom offshore fishing catamaran that has been hand-crafted to meet individual customers' needs since 1997. Their hull designs offer high performance, exceptional rough-water handling, and unmatched toughness. Renaissance Prowler accommodates a range of activities with its flexible and spacious interior layouts, making it a popular choice for fishermen, divers, surfers, and explorers alike.

Catboat evolution

The moniker catboat embraces a variety of models, with the traditional catboat derived from the mid-19th century workboats of Cape Cod, New York Bay, and lower Narragansett Bay in the Northeast. These boats featured a gaff-head sail laced to the mast by rope or set on hoops, with the foot of the sail loose or fastened to the boom. They are wide for their length, with a large centerboard located amidships and a skeg that extends to the transom, contributing to lateral resistance.

Over time, catboats evolved from their workboat origins into recreational and racing vessels. The Crosby family of Osterville, Massachusetts, played a significant role in this transformation by building the first catboat in 1850, which was 14 feet long and had a wide beam, a plumb stem, and a plumb square transom. This sparked a proliferation of Cape Cod catboats, with builder C.C. Hanley also contributing to their growing popularity.

The Marshall 22 Catboat, designed and built by Breck Marshall in the early 1960s, is another notable example of catboat evolution. The Sanderling, an 18-foot catboat introduced in 1962, paved the way for the M-22, which became popular in the following decade. Today, most catboats in production retain the basic design characteristics of their late 19th-century predecessors, with a wide beam, firm turn of the bilge, and ballast providing lateral stability and a spacious feel.

Catboats have also inspired variations, such as the Marshall 18 Sanderling, which was modified by a couple to create a "transmogrified" version with an inboard engine, a U-shaped cockpit, and improved accommodations for short cruises. This involved removing the original benches and dropping the sole to create more legroom and storage space. The rig was also replaced with a divided rig, consisting of a mizzen staysail and a roller-furling jib, allowing for easier sail management.

Catboat characteristics

Catboats are characterised by their single mast, which is stepped as close to the stem as possible. They are wide for their length, with a beam that typically measures half the length of the waterline. This gives them a lot of lateral stability, making them feel larger and safer than narrower boats. They also have a large centreboard located amidships and a long rudder, which contributes to their lateral resistance.

The traditional catboat design has its roots in the mid-19th century workboats of Cape Cod, New York Bay and lower Narragansett Bay. They have a gaff-head sail laced to the mast by rope or set on hoops, creating space between the luff and the mast for better airflow. The foot of the sail may be loose or laced to the boom with a line.

The Marshall 22 Catboat, for example, is a popular model known for its simple elegance and ability to explore shallow bays. With a centreboard up, the hull draws just 2 feet of water, making it ideal for navigating shallow waters.

Another example is the Marshall 18 Sanderling, a smaller catboat that's been in continuous production since the 1960s. It has a spacious cockpit and a wide deck, making it a comfortable and versatile boat for both daysailing and overnighting.

Catboats are known for their charm and good looks, and their ability to tolerate imperfect sailing techniques in moderate winds and seas. They are perfect for casual sailing and exploring shallow waters, making them a popular choice for sailors who value simplicity and versatility.

Catboat retrofitting

Catboats, derived from 19th-century workboats, are known for their wide beam, stability, and single-sail rigging. While they are charming and elegant, catboats may require retrofitting to improve performance, comfort, and functionality. Here are some considerations for retrofitting a catboat:

Engine and Propulsion:

Look for a catboat with a reliable diesel engine, such as a Yanmar 3GM, which is known for its durability and performance. Ensure the engine is well-maintained and has low operating hours. Consider the age of the engine and factor in the cost of replacement or overhaul if necessary.

Hull and Centerboard:

Catboats are designed for shallow waters and have a retractable centerboard for lateral resistance. When retrofitting, inspect the hull for any signs of damage or rot, especially in wooden hulls. Assess the condition of the centerboard and ensure it functions smoothly. You may need to replace the centerboard pivot pin.

Rigging and Sails:

Catboats traditionally have a gaff-head sail, but some modern versions have a square-headed mainsail. Inspect the condition of the rigging and sails. Older boats may require replacing the running rigging and adjusting the throat and peak halyards. Consider the sail's age and condition; a baggy or worn-out sail will need replacement.

Electronics and Navigation:

Older catboats will likely need an upgrade in electronics and navigation systems. Plan to install a modern chart plotter and devices to measure wind speed, boat speed, and depth. Ensure you have functioning navigational lights and a working compass.

Cockpit and Comfort:

Catboats are known for their spacious cockpits, but you can enhance comfort with additional features. Consider adding or upgrading cockpit cushions, a bimini for shade, and a dodger for protection from the elements. You may also want to install a new sprit for an anchor roller, providing a convenient place for anchoring.

Safety Equipment:

Ensure the catboat complies with safety regulations. Check the head and update it if necessary to meet environmental standards. Inspect the bilge blower and replace it if needed. Install fresh batteries and consider adding a freshwater washdown system.

Aesthetics and Brightwork:

Retrofitting is also an opportunity to enhance the aesthetics of your catboat. Consider refinishing the deck and brightwork, sanding, varnishing, and painting to restore the boat's elegance.

Retrofitting a catboat involves a combination of practical, performance-enhancing upgrades, as well as comfort and aesthetic improvements. By carefully assessing the condition of key systems and making informed choices, you can transform a well-loved catboat into a vessel that suits your sailing needs and preferences.

Catboat sailing

When it comes to sailing performance, catboats have some idiosyncrasies that need to be understood. They have a reputation for heavy weather helm, and if they heel far enough, they can lose all response to the helm. Adjustments to the throat and peak halyards, the outhaul, and the depth of the centerboard can help manage this. Reefing is also an important skill to master when sailing in moderate to strong winds.

Catboats offer excellent versatility, being able to explore shallow bays and providing access to little-used waterways. They are ideal for day sailing or weekend cruising, with spacious decks and comfortable accommodations.

One of the most popular catboats is the Marshall 22, also known as the M-22. It has been in production since the early 1960s and has a strong following. The M-22 is designed as a daysailer or weekender, with a spacious deck and stable hull, making it an ideal family boat.

Another notable catboat is the Marshall 18, also called the Sanderling. It has been in continuous production since the early 1960s and is known for its shallow draft, making it perfect for exploring marshy headwaters and other shallow areas.

For those looking for a beach catamaran, the X-Cat from Austria is a versatile and fun option. Weighing just 120 pounds, it can be easily assembled in less than 10 minutes without any tools. It can be sailed, rowed, or even fitted with an optional lightweight electric motor.

Whether it's the classic Marshall catboats, the versatile X-Cat, or any other model, catboat sailing offers a unique and enjoyable experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions