The Classic Cat

The 14' Classic Cat is a fiberglass design modeled after open decked cat boats sailed on Cape Cod waters. The Classic Cat 14 catboat is based on a classic catboat shape that was ubiquitous to small boats found sailing on and around Cape Cod since the early 1900's. Like her forbearers, her lines are simple but pleasing to the eye. Our version of the Classic Cat has many innovative improvements compared to Merv Hammatt's original design. The basic hull shape has stayed the same, standing the test of over one hundred happy catboat owners that are still sailing the original Hammatt design.

The Classic Cat's large open cockpit with comfortable seating for four or more adults, plus the stability from her wide beam and low gaff rig, make her the perfect picnic boat. She is a truly classic looking sailboat built with modern low maintenance materials.

Classic Cat Specs LOA: 14' 0" LWL: 12' 9" Beam: 7' 0" Sail Area: 145 Sq. ft. Daft: 10" board up      30" board down Displacement: 600lbs.

The Classic Cat's large open cockpit with its comfortable bench seats can accommodate four or more adults. The classic beam (twice the overall length) and the single gaff rigged sail ensure a stable ride that is both forgiving and challenging according to the skipper?s ability or enthusiasm of the moment. This design is ever-changing from kid-friendly to race-ready; from laid back picnic transportation to a reef down in a stiff wind. The versatility of a catboat design is well documented in Stan Grayson's The Cape Cod Catboat and John Leaven's The Catboat Book, both a must read for anyone looking to understand this boat's true characteristics. We are particularly fond of the design and performance of our Classic Cat.

• Our sail has been re-designed by Thurston/ Quantum Sails in Bristol, RI. We have returned the sail area to what we believe should be its true size: 145 square feet. The boom has been restored to the correct length.

• The mast is now built as a hollow eight sided stick fabricated from vertical grain Douglas fir brought in from Canada. The wood is beautiful full length close grain stock that is cut by us to our specifications, and glued up using West System epoxy. The height has been increased to allow for a better purchase on the peak.

• Hardware changes include our own mast band and gooseneck design.

• Bronze blocks have been replaced with Garhauer blocks. These are fabricated in San Diego and have a high quality finish that we have found to be superior to other manufacturers on the market, but at a cost and quality that echoes our principle of good design and functionality without sacrificing safety.

• Amsteel strops have replaced through bolt fittings aloft as well as gaff and mainsheet bridles for all halyard and sheet blocks. The innovation of modern rope materials allows the rigger to avoid drilling unnecessary holes in spars, therefore eliminating future areas of rot and decay.

In 2006 we eliminated the interior liner and instead fabricated the sole and floor frames using a composite material which allowed the hull to deck joint to be tabbed together instead of mechanically fastened.

In 2007 we rebuilt the deck mold, making a few important design improvements. The new mold changed the way the hull to deck joint is made, resulting in a better bond, and cleaner look with the rail detail. The deck lay-up was already greatly improved as it was built with a heavier core and lay-up sequence. The cockpit opening was refined to improve the look aesthetically and functionally. The new deck has a sweet shape which unifies the overall boat design.

We are currently redesigning the hull mold and will have that up and running by the summer of 2010. Our goal is to have a professionally built hull fabricated off site to our specifications with attention to details and consistency. We enjoy a collaborative approach in our work and are currently consulting with two companies: Walter Zesk for the computer design and plug construction and John Meikle of Meikle Marine and Machine for the fabrication.

We have steadfastly improved our approach to the woodworking and trim that makes our Classic Cat stand out among all the others. The fabrication improvements on the hull may not be that noticeable to most people but that is the point: we want the fabrication to be a solid, smart and well built foundation for the custom woodwork and beautiful rig that we install on each of our boats.

Our business plan is to significantly improve the viability and visibility of our Classic Cat, to guarantee the highest degree of craftsmanship and to ensure a greater return on your investment and enjoyment. Above all, we hope that you will get in as many fun filled hours with your family and friends and stretch your abilities and horizons.
After all, that's what sailing is all about.

We are very involved with maintaining all our older Classic Cats, and can help you with replacement parts and upgrades.
Please contact the office if you need assistance in ordering parts.