Catfish (Alcort) Information, Review, Specs

Built during Alcort's pivotal transition from wooden to fiberglass construction, the Catfish embodies the builder's commitment to creating durable and low-maintenance vessels. With its straightforward design and ease of handling, the Catfish carved out a niche as an approachable catamaran for those seeking a different kind of on-the-water adventure.

History and Design

The Alcort Catfish began production in 1964, emerging from a period of significant innovation and expansion for Alcort Inc.. Founded by Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger, Alcort had already achieved widespread success with their Sailfish and Sunfish models, pioneering recreational sailing through accessible designs. The decision to introduce a catamaran like the Catfish aligned with their overarching goal of making sailing enjoyable for the masses.

By 1964, Alcort had fully embraced fiberglass construction, a revolutionary shift initiated in 1959 that allowed for more streamlined manufacturing and durable boats than their earlier wooden models. The Catfish, with its fiberglass hull and deck, benefited from this advanced production capability, ensuring a robust and low-maintenance design. While specific details on the Catfish's design philosophy are less documented than for the Sunfish, it is clear that Alcort aimed to translate the simplicity and fun of their monohulls into a stable, twin-hulled package. The Catfish was designed to carry two people, at least 350 pounds, offering ample room for an adult and a child or a second adult. Early brochures highlight features such as an "All Fiberglass" construction and a hard deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alcort Catfish, with a length overall of 13.17 feet and a waterline length of 12.8 feet, is a compact catamaran designed for nimble performance. Its 6-foot beam provides inherent stability characteristic of multihulls, allowing it to stand up to more wind than a comparable monohull. Weighing in at 170 pounds displacement, the Catfish is exceptionally light, contributing to its lively performance.

Equipped with a cat rig and twin centerboards, the Catfish offers a reported sail area of 105 square feet. The combination of a lightweight hull, generous sail area for its size, and the twin-hull design allows the Catfish to achieve a theoretical hull speed of approximately 4.79 knots. Its shallow minimum draft of 0.5 feet with the centerboards up, extending to a maximum draft of 1.75 feet when deployed, enables it to sail in very shallow waters and easily beach. Owners have noted that the Catfish is a good boat for an adult and a child or two adults, with sufficient room on deck.

Deck Layout and Features

Given its size and design as a recreational day sailer, the Alcort Catfish does not feature enclosed accommodations or interior living spaces. Instead, its focus is entirely on a functional and open deck layout optimized for sailing. The deck is constructed of solid fiberglass, offering durability and ease of maintenance. The catamaran design provides a broad, stable platform, allowing for comfortable movement for two occupants. The layout typically includes open cockpit areas on each hull, providing space for seating and handling lines. The twin centerboards retract into their respective trunks, and the dual rudders ensure good steerage. While specific storage details are limited, the open nature of the design would suggest basic on-deck storage for gear, perhaps with small, accessible compartments. Early promotional materials indicate a "hard deck" design, emphasizing its robust build for active use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alcort Catfish frequently praise its enduring simplicity and its ability to provide an accessible entry point into catamaran sailing. The fiberglass construction, characteristic of Alcort boats from the mid-1960s onwards, contributes to their longevity, though some older models may require typical fiberglass and epoxy repairs, particularly around deck/hull junctions. The Catfish is generally regarded as a good boat for an adult and a child, or two adults, with ample space on deck for its size. Its light weight makes it manageable, though some owners note that a specialized trailer might be beneficial for transport. Common maintenance points, as with many vintage boats, can include rudder repairs, which owners discuss on forums, and general fiberglass upkeep. The collective sentiment among owners points to the Catfish as a fun, stable, and forgiving small catamaran that continues to offer enjoyable sailing experiences decades after its initial production.