Family Cat 23 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Halman Family Cat 23 began its production run in 1978, emerging from Halman Manufacturing Co.'s facility in Beamsville, Ontario. Its design lineage is notable, stemming from the 'James W. Hart' catboat design, with the original plans preserved at the Mystic Seaport Museum's Garden archive as design #600. William Garden adapted Hart's original concept, which held a particular philosophy regarding the catboat's bow. Only 12 of these unique catboats were built, making them a relatively rare sight on the water.

Halman Manufacturing Co. was known for its robust and practical fiberglass construction, a material choice that prioritized durability and ease of maintenance. This ethos is evident in the Family Cat 23, which features a solid fiberglass hull and deck. Interestingly, the molds for the Family Cat 23 were later repurposed to build the BLUE JACKET 23, a motor sailer produced by Collingwood Yachts, also based in Canada.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a cat-rigged vessel, the Halman Family Cat 23 benefits from a simple yet powerful sail plan, making it inherently easy to handle for single-handed sailing or for those new to the sport. With a length overall of 23.0 feet and a waterline length of 20.75 feet, the Family Cat 23 has a calculated hull speed of 6.1 knots.

A defining characteristic of the Family Cat 23 is its centerboard keel, which allows for a versatile minimum draft of 2.25 feet and an extended maximum draft of 6.0 feet when fully deployed. This feature is particularly advantageous for exploring shallow coastal areas and accessing secluded anchorages that would be inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. Catboats, in general, are lauded for their stability and forgiving nature, attributes that the Family Cat 23 shares. The boat's design and generous beam of 10.0 feet contribute to its notable initial stability and a comfortable motion, particularly in chop.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact 23-foot length, the Halman Family Cat 23 is surprisingly spacious for its class. The interior layout is designed to be functional and accommodating, reportedly providing ample space for up to four adults and a baby. While specific headroom figures are not provided in the data, the existence of a "full headroom version" (the Bluejacket 23 MS) suggests that the Family Cat 23 may offer more modest standing room in certain areas.

Reviewers indicate that the interior layout "works quite well by keeping galley" amenities in a sensible arrangement. Owners have noted the possibility of fitting a small woodstove centered just aft of the mast, indicating a cozy and practical living space. The use of fiberglass for both the hull and deck suggests a relatively low-maintenance interior, consistent with Halman's reputation for practical cruisers. Some owners have also described the boat's design weight of 6000 lbs is achieved in part by a solid concrete floor, sometimes incorporating iron, contributing to its robust build.