Supercat 19 Information, Review, Specs

The SuperCat line, including the Supercat 19, originated in 1978 under the Formulae Racing Sailboats brand, founded by Bill Roberts and a partner. Bill Roberts' design philosophy for the SuperCat series was centered on creating high-performance catamarans, incorporating unique patented features such as an elliptical hull shape engineered to minimize pitchpoling. The SuperCat brand underwent brief ownership stints with Boston Whaler and Erickson Yachts before Aquarius Sail Inc. purchased the company in 1984, subsequently commencing production of the Supercat 19 in 1985. Aquarius Sail, known for its commitment to cutting-edge design and manufacturing "the highest performance and quality catamarans available on the market," continued to refine the SuperCat line, adhering to an ethos of speed, quality, and competitive consistency. While specific variations for the Supercat 19 are not widely documented, discussions among owners suggest some design modifications related to hull seams over its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 19-foot catamaran weighing only 375 pounds, the Supercat 19 is built for exhilarating performance rather than cruising comfort. Its lightweight construction, combined with a reported sail area of 260 square feet and a fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar, allows it to achieve impressive speeds, with a theoretical hull speed of 5.8 knots. Owners frequently laud the Supercat 19 as an "awesome boat," praising its lively handling and responsiveness. Sailors often describe a dynamic sailing experience, recommending that operators shift their weight forward to "bury that hull more" as the boat is designed to handle such aggressive sailing. Its twin daggerboards contribute to its upwind performance and maneuverability, while the catamaran hull type ensures stability and speed in various conditions, making it a favorite for club racing and recreational sailing alike.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance beach catamaran, the Supercat 19 does not feature traditional interior accommodations. The boat's layout is minimalist, focusing entirely on an open deck plan optimized for sailing performance and crew movement. There is no enclosed cabin or standing headroom, nor are there any designated sleeping berths, a galley, or an enclosed head. Instead, the layout typically comprises two open hulls connected by a trampoline, providing a spacious platform for crew to manage sails and shift weight. Storage is primarily limited to small, accessible compartments within the hulls for essential gear, without the provisions found on larger cruising sailboats. The construction, predominantly fiberglass, underscores its durable, performance-oriented nature.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Supercat 19 generally express high satisfaction with its performance and fun-to-sail characteristics. Many recall fondly using the boat at clubs and for recreational cruising, particularly enjoying its speed and the thrill it offers. The boat is often described as "awesome" by those who have experience sailing it. However, like many older boats, some owners have noted potential areas for attention. Discussions among the owner community mention instances of "significant damage to the pontoon" and the presence of "stuff moving around inside" the hulls, indicating potential maintenance considerations for older models. Additionally, some earlier designs featured hull seams that, after later modifications, were considered a weak point by some owners. Despite these potential maintenance aspects, the overall consensus highlights the Supercat 19 as a robust, exciting, and highly capable beach catamaran.