Cay-Cat Nassau Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cay-Cat Nassau was engineered as a stable, accessible day-sailing platform rather than a high-performance racing machine. Unlike modern beach cats that utilize deep daggerboards for upwind efficiency, the Nassau utilized a twin-keel hull configuration. This design choice prioritized ease of use and the ability to beach the boat without damaging appendages, though it inherently sacrificed some pointing ability when sailing close-hauled.

With a length of 18 feet and a beam of roughly 8 feet, the Nassau offered significant initial stability compared to the monohull daysailers of the 1960s. Handling is generally described as predictable, if somewhat heavy, due to the era’s fiberglass layup techniques which resulted in a higher displacement than contemporary carbon or vacuum-bagged multihulls. Historical advertisements from the period, such as those found in archival editions of Boating Magazine, touted the vessel's ability to remain level and dry in conditions that would cause a monohull of similar length to heel uncomfortably. The fractional sloop rig provided enough sail area to make the boat lively in a breeze, though it lacked the aggressive power-to-weight ratio found in later designs like the Tornado or the Hobie 18.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Cay-Cat Nassau does not boast a significant Hollywood or literary footprint, it is recognized by maritime historians as part of the "Boca Raton boatbuilding boom" of the 1960s. The boat appeared in regional Florida marine trade publications and was a frequent sight in early multihull regattas organized by the South Florida Station of the Cruising Catamaran Association. Its primary media "fame" exists within the archives of Florida Division of Corporations, which documents the company’s activity from its 1964 founding through its eventual dissolution.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For those looking to restore or maintain a Cay-Cat Nassau, several technical areas require scrutiny due to the vessel's age and construction era:

• Delamination and Core Rot: Like many 1960s fiberglass boats, the Nassau used a relatively thick gelcoat and polyester resin. Over decades, water can ingress into the deck or hull structures. Prospective buyers should check for soft spots on the bridge deck or the topsides of the hulls, which may indicate core separation.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The hardware used on early Cay-Cats was often cast aluminum or stainless steel of a lower grade than modern marine standards. Stress cracks around the transom where the rudders attach are common.
• Mast Step Compression: Given the tension required for a catamaran’s rigging, the area under the mast step can compress over time if the internal structure has weakened.
• Obsolete Hardware: Much of the original hardware on the Nassau is no longer in production. Repairs often require custom fabrication or adapting modern blocks and cleats from manufacturers like Harken or Ronstan.

Community & Resources

There is no formal manufacturer-backed class association remaining for Cay-Cat. However, technical discussions and historical preservation efforts for these vessels are occasionally hosted by the Multihull Yacht Club of America or via the historical archives of the Catamaran Sailor community. Owners often rely on "Small Boat Restoration" groups to share specifications for rigging and sail dimensions, as original blueprints are not publicly available.

The Verdict

The Cay-Cat Nassau is a vintage multihull that offers a stable, nostalgic sailing experience for those who appreciate the history of Florida's boatbuilding legacy.

Pros:

• Extreme Stability: The 18-foot catamaran platform is much more stable than contemporary monohull daysailers.
• Shallow Draft: The twin-keel design is ideal for exploring sandbars and thin water.
• Historical Charm: A rare conversation piece for enthusiasts of 1960s marine design.

Cons:

• Weight: Heavier and less nimble than modern beach catamarans.
• Upwind Performance: The lack of daggerboards limits its ability to point high into the wind.
• Parts Availability: Requires significant DIY skill to source or fabricate replacement hardware.