Would like some advice on Marsh Cat/ F.W. 18ft Cat

[Shane.seadreamer]

:confused: Good morning,
I am new to the forum and I hope you can help me.
I am writing from Victoria Australia where I live in the Otway Mountains that run down into the waters of Bass Stright. I was thinking of building a Catboat as a long term project to keep me occupied. That style of boat with large cockpit would suit my needs. single sail and a fair bit of room.
I am in two minds as to what to build.
The boat I really like is the Fenwick Williams 18ft Catboat and I would like to use modern strip planking in her construction. As a prelude to tacklling this boat I was thinking of having a go at the Joel White Marshcat as it is smaller and simpler.
Is anyone out there who has built either of these boats? All advice would be appreciated.
I am an amateur builder with a woodworking background in turning and furniture.
I understand but have not lofted a boat before.
thank you all
Seadreamer.
Shane.seadreamer@gmail.com

[KMacDonald]

I am building a Marsh Cat now. There is no lofting involved. Plans include full size mold , stem and transom patterns. I strip planked mine with 11/16 WRC and 10oz glass inside and out. 1/2 WRC would be fine also. The plans are very detailed and is not a very difficult boat to build but will take some time. I expect to be finished in about 6 months or less. If you have any specific questions I would be glad to answer them. You can also search the forum for "Marsh Cat" for related postings.

[KMacDonald]

The mold and transom full size patterns are fair as drawn and require no adjustment.

[Lion]

Hi Seadreamer

Check your private emails.

Rgds
Lion

[JimD]

I wouldn't build a 15 foot boat as a prelude to an 18 foot boat. First, it may end up being years before you even get the 15er built and more years before getting around to the 18er and you will be stuck with a 15er. I speak from personal experience. I suggest you get some experience by building an eight foot strip planked dinghy that you can tow behind the 18er.

David Payne's 7.5' Little stripper:

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/LittleStripper1.jpg

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/LittleStripper5.jpg

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/LittleStripper3.jpg

[KMacDonald]

Seadreamer,

The 18' Williams catboat and the Marshcat are not even close as far as size and build time go. The 18' catboat is about 3 and a half times the boat as the Marshcat. Building time for Marshcat is about 500 hours. The 18' catboat would be close to 1800 hours I would guess. Cost would also be 3 and a half time more for the 18'er.

[Shane.seadreamer]

dear KMacdonald, Lion, JimD,
Thankyou so much for your advice and help. I will ponder it all on my verandah watching the rising swell and wind . It's our summer at the moment and the temp is 41dC about 103fht as I write. The summer sharks are in the shallows, bronze whalers, and the great Whites won't be far behind.
As I say I like the look of that MarshCat and will be quicker. I guess you want results and a sense of acheivment on your first project. I will have a stubby and think.
Would you be able to tell me the weight/displacement of both boats? I thought about 2 tons for the F.W. Also how do you turn such boats over when you have completed the hull?
I thought about 3yrs part time to build the F.W.
Anyway simply thanks.

[seanz]

How about Payne yachts 'Snapper Boat' for a more traditional local look?

http://www.payneyachts.com/trailer_sailers.htm




http://www.payneyachts.com/images/snapper_boat_2.gif
http://www.payneyachts.com/images/snapper_boat_lapstrake.gif

[Shane.seadreamer]

Dear Seanz,
Thankyou. Yes I like the look of that boat very much. You rekon that would be an easier boat to build?
As you know I am after form and function. I want a platform for diving , exploring etcc... that is pretty to look at, sails well, can get into shallows, with enough room to carry a bit of gear and sailed solo.
cheers Shane

[Paul Pless]

here's a link you might be interested in: Strip Planked Fenwick Williams Catboat (http://www.storerboatplans.com/DavidCatboat/davidcatboat.html)

[Ethan]

here's a link you might be interested in: Strip Planked Fenwick Williams Catboat (http://www.storerboatplans.com/DavidCatboat/davidcatboat.html)


If you can get Mr. Storer to return your email, please let me know. I've tried to get info on ordering from him several times, both through his website/email and here on the forum, to no avail.

[saltydoug]

Here's some more food for thought.

If the goal is to use the boat, as opposed to build the boat, you may find that the Marsh Cat is large enough. It is a big 15-foot boat.

I had COMFORT built for me in in 2005. Her light weight and "small" size make her easy to launch, sail, and retrieve from a ramp single handed. And she can be towed with a standard car. I used a Subaru for the first 2 years. The ease of trailering has opened up extensive "cruising grounds" for me. And, when I'm not using her, this boat fits into a single car garage.

But, she is actually a big boat. The cockpit has plenty of room for 4 adults. In sheltered conditions, I have sailed with 4 adults and 2 children. There was still room left for a dog. I often use a boom tent and camp with 2 aboard for 2 - 3 day mini-adventures. The fact that she can be easily beached allows plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs (and walk the dog).

All in all, this is a remarkably versatile design.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df25b3127cceb3a6fe4f836900000020100AZtGLhy3cuW IAhttp://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df25b3127cceb3a60be0421400000020100AZtGLhy3cuW IAhttp://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df25b3127cceb3a6f066834700000020100AZtGLhy3cuW IAhttp://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df25b3127cceb3a60fabc36d00000020100AZtGLhy3cuW IA

[crabskiff]

KMacdonald, It appears you hail from Maryland. Where are you building? There are a couple of other Marsh Cats that sail the Chesapeake on a regular basis.

Kevin

[Boatmik]

Howdy Shane,

Though the Marshcat is smaller and less building I would doubt that it is much simpler. The only real difference will be building the cabin top and cockpit coaming - which though not simple (not hugely difficult either with some planning or advice) is the only real difference in structure.

If you haven't built any boat before using epoxy maybe build a smaller plywood boat so
1/ you can get used to handling the materials
2/ you have something to go for a blat in to remind yourself why you are doing the whole thing
3/ because it will build a lot faster than a strip boat.

However it really does depend on the reasons you are building the boat.

If the woodwork/building process is a large part of the fascination I would say to just build the William's Catboat straight off.

If the purpose is to get sailing then build something small and really simple just to get a bit of experience in the materials and to go sailing in while you are doing the build.

I guess it also depends how far away from the water you are!!!

Best Wishes
Michael Storer

Strip plank is strip plank is strip plank.