This guide offers an in-depth exploration of America’s most unique and enduring sailboat, the Cape Cod catboat, and explains why the type has enjoyed such a strong resurgence in popularity. Providing new insights into the myths and realities regarding the catboat’s origins in New York and on Cape Cod, it explores the boat’s central importance as a fishing craft and later as a racing and cruising yacht. Included are stories of the great catboat designers of the type’s golden age in the late 19th century. This comprehensive reference also examines today’s fiberglass catboats and offers practical advice on catboat selection and sailing.

Created & developed on Cape Cod in the mid-19th century but eventually popular throughout the country, the Cape Cod catboat is perhaps the most uniquely American of all sailing craft. The second edition of CATBOATS will be of interest to all involved with classic sailing craft, to those interested in yachting & workboat history, & to anyone curious about a very special aspect of the New England scene. The book covers the history of the catboat together with stories of people who have become involved with restoring, cruising, & racing these boats. The second edition features a collection of rare 19th century catboat photographs from the Hart Nautical Museum at MIT, these in addition to several photos in the first edition from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities & other sources. The new book's Appendix also contains useful material on catboat racing techniques & a chapter on catboat lore replete with information on the use of catboats in a variety of New England fisheries. "Every sailor & those who love to read about people, boats & their affinity for the Cape will enjoy this thoroughly pleasing mix of solid information about catboats, the people who sail them & the legends & history that have grown around them."--CAPE COD TIMES. "...there is something about catboats that captures the imagination & sends the mind on an afternoon sail across sparkling waters, & that is exactly what Grayson has portrayed in this delightful book."--YACHTING. Devereux Books, 20 Vassar Rd., Box 503, Marblehead, MA 01945. (617) 631-3055.

"the Competitive Cat" is a one of a kind resource for the modern catboat sailor. The book is geared for the reader who is interested in racing, yet the detailed descriptions, drawings and photographs will assist anyone sailing a catboat to enjoy their time in the boat to the maximum, with improved efficiency and safety. "the Competitive Cat" rightly starts you off with boat preparation tips, from bottom prep and maintenance, to standing and running rigging, with no details spared for the full care and feeding of your cat. Even if you have been sailing for decades, the Balance chapter will still have some surprises for you. Boat handling, reefing, sail trim, and a detailed discussion of racing rules as they apply to catboats, are all covered in an easy to understand format. There is a special chapter on Beetle Catboats. "the Competitive Cat" is unique; there is no other reference source like it. "the Competitive Cat" is a must for every catboat sailor's library.

A collection of inventive catboat designs, from the boards of the Benford Design Group, ranging from 17' to 22' long. Both centerboard and keel designs are shown. All have cabins and cruising accommodations, and have classic, traditional styling. Alternate rigs are also included for some of the designs plus photos of the completed boats.

Featuring one of Phil Bolger's clean, simple designs. Dynamite clearly explains the building process that will result in your own 12' gaff-rigged catboat using the stitch-and-glue plywood method.

Although there were hundreds of catboats on Barnegat Bay in the early 20th century, none were quite like Silent Maid. She was built in 1924 at Bay Head, New Jersey, for Philadelphia businessman Edwin J. Schoettle. Silent Maid's sailing life stretches across eight decades. This book is as much about the people who sailed her and where they came from as it is about the wood, iron, bronze, cordage, and canvas that fleshed out her frames. It was through their lives she moved. With over 470 illustrations, this book recounts how Silent Maid's owners came to shape, nurture, and, ultimately, preserve her . . . and in return, how she influenced their lives.