Cat Ketch Rigs: Why the Hell Not?

[SaltyMonkey]

To counter-argue a recent post and fascination with junk rigs which can be found here:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...not-49898.html

What about a cat ketch rig w/ herring bone boom for solo?

No really, why the hell not?????

Anyone with experience?

[dana-tenacity]

I guess that's what I have, but possibly not the type of boat you had in mind?

[SaltyMonkey]

omg gorgeous gorgeous!!! thanks!

check out the other junk thread. we are on to talking about wharram cats

[Bash]

I've buddy boated with two different Freedom ketches, a 44 and a 39. One of the easiest rigs in the world to singlehand, and they are wicked fun DDW because they are so easy to wing-on-wing. Both boats had a mizzen staysail that could be rigged on a broad reach, but those sails never seemed to be worth the effort.

Tend not to point as high as a conventional ketch. And not anywhere close to a sloop.

Another pro is that instead of reefing, cat ketches will do just fine under the main alone.

[boatman61]

Something like this Freedom schooner would be better...
1985 Freedom 39 Cat Schooner sailboat for sale in Washington

[boatman61]

Or how about this...

[SaltyMonkey]

Bash - yeha...my thoughts exactly. i love the simplicity of them - no chainplates or shrouds. Easy tacking. Ease of maintenance. I keep checking the market. It's my focus boat at the moment. I know there's a Herreshoff 4sale near.

Boatman. Definately very cool the skooner - rare to find one on market too. The freedom also has a centerboard - 35? 38? Cant remember. I'd take it across an ocean.

Oh that last is a heart beater. What is that exactly? Love the leeboards!

Take that back no leeboards...just a stripe haha

[boatman61]

Salty... thats 'Kriter Lady'... a 70ft Freedom Schooner.... aint she sweet....

[SaltyMonkey]

god YES boatman! Maybe I could afford a 1:3 model version!

[Pblais]

We have a club member with 45 cat ketch carbon fiber rig. The boat is deadly on a any reach (13 knots). Very easy to handle. Does not point that well but she sure looks good. Cockpit is small but you could put a bowling alley in the saloon.

[bljones]

I like the Herreschoff Cat ketches, from an accomodation standpoint-- they seem to make exceptionally good use of the space. The shallow draft is also a plus if you sail in skinny water.