catspaw dinghy question

[Charles Neuman]

I'm trying to figure out how the crew sits in the Catspaw Dinghy when it's used as a sailboat. When it's used for rowing, I can see how the crew would sit on the benches. But on a sailboat I'm used to having crew sit facing leeward, or even windward, rather than front or back. Or does the crew sit on the bottom of the boat between the benches?

[Walcheren]

When I sail my Catspaw I sail it by myself, sitting on the floor. There is no room for anybody else as far as I am concerned. I need to be able to get to the mast, operate the centre board, I need to be able to move around. It is not like the picture of Wooden Boat with four people in the boat.

[Charles Neuman]

Thanks for your feedback. One of the Catspaw owners on "My Wooden Boat" said her boat has been sailed with 6 people! I guess it depends on what kind of conditions you are in.

Additional question: On the site
http://www.lucernevalley.net/~wkutter/kattoo.htm
the Catspaw owner says that the closest his boat will sail to the wind is about 70 degrees off wind. He was hoping to improve that. Does that seem about right for this boat? Or perhaps it's the rig that is the limiting factor.

Charles

[ 11-04-2002, 01:01 PM: Message edited by: Charles Neuman ]

[Walcheren]

Once I am sailing I am O.K. although going into the wind takes a lot of tacks. I am not sure about angles but 70 degrees sounds about right. My main problem has been when leaving a lee shore with the sprit sail. Then I have to row, peddle and sail all at the same time to get away and that is why I don't want anybody else in this little boat. Also raising the sprit sail on leaving the shore in a good wind is no easy matter. A crew member might come in handy here. Maybe it is all a matter of inexperience. I'll try again next summer.

[Ken Buck]

I'd agree, practice helps. When I first started sailing in a 13' sprit rig, I thought the boat was pretty crowded with only me aboard. As I got more experienced, I could imagine adding another person (although never actually had occasion to do so).

I guess I still feel the same way about my 18' sailing dory, but part of the issue is that I know the drill of operating everything singlehanded. And there's a certain amount of fun doing it all quickly and efficiently (?), even if there is a certain amount of panic involved at times. Things can get a bit hectic, but I guess that's where the rest of the crew comes in. If there's another person on board, they can help out, instead of just being baggage in the way, which should reduce the need for all that jumping around. The key is organizing in advance what things the other person will do, in what order, etc. If you don't coordinate, you'll regret it, but if you do, then adding another person could actually make things easier. (Disclaimer: haven't tried this yet, so will reserve final judgement 'til later smile.gif )

[Wild Wassa]

Sit your crew well forward, sit your self well forward as well. Skipper always have your back to the wind. Your crew balances the boat for you.
The crew can be moving a lot some days. Sometimes kneeling well forward and on the centre line only. Sometimes slightly off centre to allow the slightest heel.

The crew facing/looking forward, is the best because you want/need the crew to be a good spotter. The last thing you want is a collision.

Warren.

ps, Tell your crew to move quickly as well, just as quickly as yourself. When you think that your moving well on your boat, move 10 times faster.

[ 11-12-2002, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[Alan Peck]

I have a different questions about the capspaw.

I assume that the people that have built this boat are building it carvel planked. It is my understanding that carvel planking will dry out if the boat is not kept in the water.

However, it would seem that the catspaw is too small to leave in the water and I would guess that most people would trailer sail her. If that is so how do you avoid having the boat dry out and leak the next time it is used.

Perhaps being such a small boat the drying/leaking cycle is not really an issue.

Or perhaps these boats are not being caulked the traditional way. Perhaps some modern goop is being used?

Any input on this issue would be appreciated.