In the annals of American yacht building, the Cat Ketch Corporation carved out a distinctive, albeit relatively brief, niche. Emerging in the late 1970s and operating through the 1980s, this U.S.-based builder became synonymous with the innovative and often elegant cat-ketch sailing yachts designed by the esteemed naval architect Halsey Herreshoff. While the company's operational lifespan was limited, its legacy endures in the well-regarded cruising vessels that continue to ply waters worldwide.
The Origin Story
The Cat Ketch Corporation was founded by John Newton, a third-generation boatbuilder with a vision for creating simple yet rewarding cruising auxiliaries. Newton, who had prior experience building Grand Banks trawlers in Hong Kong, embarked on this venture in the late 1970s, establishing a Cayman Island-based corporation that oversaw production in Honduras. His collaboration with Halsey Herreshoff, himself a third-generation in his distinguished family of naval architects, proved pivotal. Herreshoff provided the distinctive designs that would define the Cat Ketch Corp. fleet.
The company's initial offerings included a range of sailing yachts in 31, 35, and 45-foot lengths. These vessels were primarily constructed from fiberglass, a testament to modern boatbuilding techniques of the era, though some early models incorporated laminated wooden spars.
History and Evolution
The Cat Ketch Corporation's active building period spanned roughly from 1982 to 1986. During this time, the company focused on the production of its fiberglass monohull designs, embracing modern construction methods. While the primary manufacturing base was in Honduras, the company eventually shipped its molds to Texas for a final, brief production run, which included the Richard Black-designed Sparhawk 36 and an H-28, before ultimately ceasing operations. This transition marked the end of Cat Ketch Corp.'s direct boatbuilding activities, leading to its classification as a defunct sailboat manufacturer.
Design Philosophy and Identity
The core identity of Cat Ketch Corporation was inextricably linked to the cat-ketch rig, a venerable yet somewhat unconventional sailing configuration. The company gained a reputation for producing comfortable cruising boats known for their ease of handling. A key aspect of their design philosophy, influenced heavily by Halsey Herreshoff, was to create vessels that were "simple yet rewarding to sail," often requiring fewer winches than more complex rigs.
Herreshoff's designs for Cat Ketch Corp. emphasized open interior layouts, with a common arrangement for the Herreshoff 31 featuring an open saloon/forecabin area with the head and galley located aft. The boats were characterized by their "good looks, easy sailing, open accommodation, thoughtful touches, elegant simplicity, generally superior woodwork, and fast passages". While generally lauded for their cruising capabilities, some owners noted that they might not be particularly "weatherly" in all conditions.
Notable naval architect collaborations were exclusively with Halsey Herreshoff, whose name became synonymous with the boats produced by the corporation.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and successful models built by Cat Ketch Corporation were the Herreshoff 31, 35, and 45. Among these, the Herreshoff 31 stands out as the most prominent, with approximately 100 units built between 1979 and 1986. Another model, the Herreshoff 27, was also part of their offerings. These boats were designed specifically as cruisers, offering a comfortable and straightforward sailing experience.
The Cat Ketch Corporation boats were typically equipped with diesel engines, with earlier models often featuring Nanni diesels and later boats powered by Yanmar engines. While no high-profile special projects like America's Cup boats or custom yachts for notable clients are attributed to the company, their contribution lies in popularizing the Herreshoff-designed cat-ketch rig for cruising sailors. Despite the company no longer being in operation, Halsey Herreshoff himself has received several of these vessels as donations to the Herreshoff Museum, where they are refurbished and sold, keeping the legacy of these unique boats alive.
The Builder Today
The Cat Ketch Corporation ceased its boatbuilding operations, likely in the late 1980s, and is now considered a defunct manufacturer. Consequently, new boats are no longer produced under this marque. However, the Herreshoff-designed cat-ketch boats built by the corporation remain sought-after by a dedicated community of enthusiasts. These vessels are available on the used boat market, though they can be "a bit hard to find". Owners appreciate them for their distinctive rig, comfortable interiors, and ease of handling, qualities that continue to appeal to those seeking a unique cruising experience. The enduring interest in these boats, as evidenced by discussions in online forums and their presence on brokerage sites, speaks to the lasting impact of John Newton's vision and Halsey Herreshoff's designs.
