Catbird 16

[Ron Hotchin]

Does anyone have info on the Catbird 16 by Chesapeake Marine Design, especially how difficult it is to build and how it handles compared, to say, the Core Sound 17?

[Beowolf]

Hey Ron,

I haven't seen either on them in reality, so take this opinion as you will but I would guess from the hull form that the Core Sound 17 is the better performing of the two, but while the photos I've seen of the CS17 are quite nice, the Catbird is a real looker! As I mentioned about a week ago, had I known about the Catbird two years ago, it might be going together in my garage as wee speak.

I'll be interested to hear what others (hopefully more educated) have to say about these two designs.

Take Care.

Jeff.

[garland reese]

I'd tend to agree with Beowolf as to the CS17 being the better performer. Those Catbird boats have that classic "Chesapeke" look about them though and some type of cabin might be nice. I asked about the 16 vs the 18 foot versions of the Catbird. I didn't get too much in reply, but there are study drawing available for $5.00 each from Mr. Stambaugh. He indicated that the cuddy on the 16 footer was not too roomy. I'm curious as to how easy the eighteen would be to trailer and rig and what it would weigh, compared to the 16. I think I'll get the drawings to get a better idea.

The Core Sound boat is supposed to be very easy to rig and trailer and looks to be just that, according to the pictures, and very handsome as well. Tom Lathrop knows about the Core Sound boats. You might give him a shout.
Just to throw another kink at you......I've been looking at some of John Welsford's boats. He has some nice little trailer sailers. Check out his Navigator design. He is working on an 18 foot version of that boat (to include a cabin I think). the Navigator is quite a popular little boat it seems, .. Mr. Welsford has sold in excess of 300 plansets I believe. There are lots of nice picutres of this little boat on the web, including several modifications of rig and interior.
The Sweet Pea 5.3 meter cruiser is nice too, and can be rigged as a sloop or as a gaff yawl. That boat should have nice performance, light weight and a cabin for two to boot!
www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz (http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz)
garland