Catboat

A catboat is a sailing vessel characterized by a beam equal to roughly half its overall length. The single mast is carried well forward. This combination provides a roomier cabin compared to a typical sailboat of the same length. A catboat normally carries a single gaff rigged sail although modern catboats often carry a gunter rigged[?] sail. Sometimes a jib is also added on a bowsprit. Historically, catboats have been used for fishing and transport in the coastal waters of New England and New York. Around the turn of the 19th century they were adapted for racing. Today they are used for day sailing and crusing by people who want a roomy, stable and simple to sail boat.

External link

• The Catboat Association website (http://www.catboats.org).