Thom Cat 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Thom Cat 15 began its production in 2001, designed by Bill Menger, and later Andrew Menger. The design draws inspiration from the racing catboats of the 1890s, aiming to capture their spirit while offering a strong, safe boat with graceful lines and an attractive gaff rig. Menger Boatworks, the original builder, specialized in fiberglass catboats known for their distinctive aesthetics and sailing characteristics.

Thompson Boatworks, located in West Sayville, New York, commenced operations in 2006 with a mission to preserve and continue the legacy of Menger Catboats. They acquired the original molds, ensuring the continued production of iconic designs like the Thom Cat 15. This commitment reflects a deep appreciation for traditional sailing vessels, maintaining the design integrity, broad beam, shallow draft, and gaff-rigged simplicity that define these character boats. There is no indication of significant variations or different marks during its production run, emphasizing the enduring nature of its original design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall (LOA) of 15 feet and a full waterline length, the Thom Cat 15 is designed as a spirited daysailer. Its generous 7-foot beam contributes significantly to its inherent stability, a hallmark of catboat designs. The boat features a gaff-rigged cat rig, which is known for its simplicity and ease of handling, making it accessible to a wide range of sailors.

A notable feature is its centerboard keel, allowing for a minimum draft of just 0.58 feet with the board up, making it ideal for exploring shallow coves and beaching. When deployed, the max draft extends to 3.5 feet, providing improved upwind performance. The reported sail area of 145 square feet provides ample power for its 700-pound displacement, contributing to its lively performance. Owners often praise the Thom Cat 15 for its balanced helm and ability to stand up to a breeze without excessive heeling, a characteristic enhanced by its broad beam. Its hull speed is estimated at 5.19 knots, offering enjoyable speeds for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

As a daysailer, the Thom Cat 15 prioritizes a spacious and open cockpit over extensive interior accommodations. The design focuses on providing comfortable seating for crew and passengers during day excursions. While specific interior layouts can vary slightly depending on owner customization, the typical arrangement features a large, uncluttered cockpit, often with seating along the sides and stern.

There is no mention of significant maximum headroom within the boat's specifications, indicating that any enclosed cuddy space would be primarily for storage or shelter rather than standing room. Owners and reviewers describe the interior as simple and functional, reflecting its purpose as a boat for short trips. The fiberglass construction ensures a durable and low-maintenance finish, characteristic of boats from Thompson Boatworks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Thom Cat 15 (and its Menger Cat 15 predecessor) consistently praise its solid construction and ease of sailing. The gaff rig and simple controls are frequently cited as benefits for both new and experienced sailors looking for a relaxed sailing experience. Its shallow draft capabilities are highly valued, allowing access to areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats. Many owners appreciate the classic aesthetics and the connection to maritime heritage that the catboat design embodies.

Common issues, if any, often revolve around the typical maintenance associated with any sailboat, such as upkeep of the wooden spars inherent in a gaff rig or ensuring the centerboard mechanism remains smooth. However, the overall sentiment from the owner community is one of satisfaction, highlighting the boat's reliability and its ability to provide years of enjoyable sailing.