Menger Boatworks was founded in 1976 by William Menger in Babylon, New York, on Long Island. Menger was a passionate seaman and boat enthusiast who, in his spare time, could often be found in his garage building or restoring boats. His deep love for the sea and boats, particularly the shallow, shoaly waters off Long Island's South Shore, fueled his vision. This passion eventually led him to leave his previous occupation and establish his own boatbuilding business.
The company's first design was the Menger Oysterman 23, a fiberglass sailboat that set the tone for Menger Boatworks' future offerings.
History and Evolution
Operating from 1976 until 2004, Menger Boatworks carved a niche for itself in the fiberglass sailboat market. The company specialized in the design and manufacture of fiberglass catboats and other character boats, becoming well-known for their traditional aesthetic combined with modern construction techniques. A significant milestone in the company's evolution was the involvement of William Menger's son, Andrew Menger, who not only designed several of their popular catboat models but also managed the company's marketing and finances.
While Menger Boatworks ceased operations in 2004, the legacy of their designs continued. Jerry Thompson, who worked for Menger Boatworks for five years, later established Thompson Boatworks, taking on the mantle of building Menger Cat models, including the Menger Cat 23. This transition ensured that the beloved Menger designs remained available to enthusiasts.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Menger Boatworks built a reputation in the sailing world for producing high-quality, traditional catboats. They were known for crafting comfortable family cruisers and character boats, distinguished by their classic lines and robust fiberglass construction. The brand's identity was deeply rooted in the catboat tradition, focusing on vessels that were forgiving and easy to sail, particularly excelling in light air.
A signature design feature of Menger boats was their gaff rig, which contributed to their traditional appearance. Many of their models, such as the Menger Cat 15 and Menger Cat 19, were designed to be trailerable, with optional folding masts for ease of transport, enhancing their appeal to a broader range of sailors. The primary naval architects and designers associated with Menger Boatworks were William Menger himself, often collaborating with his son Andrew Menger.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Menger Boatworks produced several significant and successful models that garnered a loyal following. The Menger Oysterman 23 was their initial offering. However, the Menger Cat series became their most recognized line. Notable models include:
- Menger Cat 23: Also known as the Thom Cat 23, this design was a collaboration between Bill and Andrew Menger. It represented a larger cruiser in their lineup.
- Menger Cat 19: This trailerable catboat was designed by the father and son team of Bill and Andrew Menger. It was a popular choice for its stability and performance.
- Menger Cat 17: Designed by Andrew Menger, this model was introduced in 1983 as a versatile daysailer and cruiser.
- Menger Cat 15: A smaller, trailerable catboat, appealing to those seeking a more compact and manageable vessel.
Menger's high-end fiberglass boats were sold to customers around the world, underscoring their quality and desirability. The impact of Menger Boatworks is evident in the enduring popularity of their designs and the continuation of their models by Thompson Boatworks after Menger's closure.
The Builder Today
Menger Boatworks is no longer in business, having ceased operations in 2004 following the passing of its founder, William Menger. However, the spirit and designs of Menger Catboats live on through Thompson Boatworks. Jerry Thompson, a former manager at Menger Boatworks, now runs Thompson Boatworks, which continues to build and sell new Menger Cat models, as well as offering previously owned Menger Catboats.
Today, Menger Catboats continue to appeal to sailors who appreciate traditional lines, robust construction, and the inherent simplicity and forgiving nature of the catboat rig. The continued availability of parts and new builds from Thompson Boatworks, along with an active community of owners, ensures that the "Menger Catboat Tradition" endures, celebrating the legacy of William Menger's craftsmanship and passion for classic sailing.
