Supercat 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Supercat 15's journey began in 1985, a period following Boston Whaler's earlier foray into the monohull sailboat market with their "Harpoon" line, which concluded in 1983. This catamaran represented a distinct venture for Boston Whaler, a company primarily celebrated for its "unsinkable" powerboats and innovative Unibond™ construction. While Boston Whaler initiated its production, the Supercat line later saw continued manufacturing by Aquarius Sail Inc., who took over after Boston Whaler's brief ownership of the design.

Designers Steve Edmunds and Bill Roberts conceived the Supercat 15 as a small, performance-oriented beach catamaran. While specific details on their design philosophy for this model are not extensively documented, the inherent characteristics of the boat—its light displacement of 300 pounds and its catamaran hull type—suggest a focus on speed, responsiveness, and ease of transport. The Supercat catamaran design incorporated unique patented features. The boat typically features a cat rig with a rotating spar, and an optional jib was available to enhance its sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 15-foot catamaran, the Supercat 15 is engineered for lively performance and straightforward handling, typical of a beach cat. Its lightweight fiberglass hull construction contributes significantly to its agility and quick acceleration in a breeze. The boat's catamaran design, featuring two hulls and two rudders, provides inherent stability and allows for shallow draft access, making it well-suited for launching from beaches or shallow waters.

Equipped with a reported sail area of 160 square feet and often featuring a rotating mast, the Supercat 15 is designed to be responsive to wind shifts and helm input. Owners often describe the Supercat 15 as a "fun to sail" boat, indicating its engaging performance characteristics for recreational use and club racing. While its open design precludes detailed performance ratios common to larger keelboats, its low displacement to sail area ratio for a catamaran suggests good light-air performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 15.25-foot length overall and designation as a beach catamaran, the Supercat 15's accommodations are minimal, focusing on on-deck utility rather than interior living space. The layout primarily consists of trampolines stretched between the two hulls, providing ample deck space for crew movement and reclining. There is no enclosed cabin or significant headroom on a boat of this size, which is typical for its class, making it ideal for day sailing rather than overnight cruising. Storage would be limited to small, waterproof bags or compartments suitable for personal gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Supercat 15 generally praise its fun sailing characteristics and the simplicity of its design, reflecting its appeal as a recreational beach catamaran. Many appreciate its performance and the enjoyment it provides on the water. However, as with many older boats, some common maintenance points and areas of attention have been noted by the owner community. Discussions on forums sometimes refer to potential issues with the structural integrity of the front bow or mast base over time, which may require inspection or reinforcement. Additionally, owners have discussed solutions for adding features like self-tacking jibs or addressing issues related to transom ports, suggesting that some modifications or repairs may be necessary on older models. Despite these typical considerations for a vintage boat, the Supercat 15 maintains a following among enthusiasts who value its spirited performance and the accessibility of catamaran sailing.