Cay-Cat Bimini Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cay-Cat Bimini was launched in 1964, marking its entry into a burgeoning market for multihulls, and remained in production until 1968. Cay Cat Manufacturing Inc., established in 1964, dedicated itself to the production of catamarans, a design choice that reflected a keen awareness of evolving boating trends and a desire to contribute to the growing multihull segment. The company's design philosophy centered on prioritizing stability, shallow draft, and the potential for higher speeds compared to monohulls of similar size. For the Bimini, this commitment manifested in a 12.5-foot (3.81-meter) length overall with a twin keel catamaran hull type, constructed from solid fiberglass.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small catamaran with a reported sail area of 90 square feet (8.36 square meters) and a fractional sloop rig, the Cay-Cat Bimini was designed for responsive and stable performance. Its catamaran hull type inherently provides excellent initial stability, making it less prone to heeling compared to a monohull, which is beneficial for casual sailing and for those new to the sport. The twin keel configuration would have contributed to its shallow draft, allowing access to skinny waters often inaccessible to deeper-drafting vessels. Given its compact size and light displacement (190 lbs), the Bimini would have been a spirited performer in light to moderate winds, easily trailerable, and straightforward to launch and retrieve, reflecting its design as an accessible recreational craft.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its modest length of 12.5 feet, the Cay-Cat Bimini was primarily an open boat designed for day sailing rather than extended cruising. It does not feature an enclosed cabin or stand-up headroom. The layout would typically consist of an open cockpit area, providing seating for a few individuals, and storage for small gear. Its design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, characteristic of small recreational boats of its time.