Chaser Cat Information, Review, Specs

Unlike its larger siblings, which were built for the rigors of the Half Ton class, the Chaser Cat was a lightweight, twin-hulled platform featuring a trampoline deck and a fractional sloop rig. According to historical records from Canadian Yachting magazine archives, the vessel was marketed as a Canadian-made alternative to the American-dominated small catamaran market, offering a robust fiberglass construction intended to withstand the rocky shorelines of the Great Lakes.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Chaser Cat are defined by its high power-to-weight ratio and the inherent stability of its twin-hull configuration. As an open-deck catamaran, it lacks the displacement of a monohull, allowing it to accelerate rapidly in light puffs. The boat’s performance is heavily influenced by its hull shape; typical of 1970s "beach cats," the hulls provide significant initial stability but require active weight management from the crew to prevent "pitch-poling"—a common risk where the leeward bow dives into a wave under heavy pressure.

Handling is characterized as "snappy" and responsive. In historical assessments found in early regional sailing publications, the Chaser Cat was noted for its ability to fly a hull in moderate breezes, a sensation that made it a popular choice for younger sailors and performance seekers. The boat typically features a kick-up rudder system, essential for beaching and navigating the shallow shorelines of Ontario’s lakes. While it lacks the ultimate pointing ability of a deep-keeled monohull like the Chaser 29, the Cat makes up for it with significantly higher reaching speeds, often outpacing much larger vessels when sailing off the wind.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a vintage Chaser Cat requires a meticulous inspection of the fiberglass structure, as these boats were often stored outdoors and subjected to harsh freeze-thaw cycles.

• Soft Hulls and Delamination: The most frequent issue cited in community discussions for 1970s fiberglass cats is "softness" in the decks or hull sides. Press firmly across the hulls; any "crunching" sound or excessive flex indicates the fiberglass has separated from its core, requiring an expensive and labor-intensive epoxy injection repair.
• Mast Step Integrity: The mast step on a catamaran bears immense downward pressure. Inspect the cross-member and the area where the mast sits for stress cracks or compression damage. If the beam is slightly bowed or the fiberglass around the step is spider-webbed, the structural integrity may be compromised.
• Trampoline and Hardware: The trampoline is often the first component to fail due to UV degradation. Check the lacing tracks and the fabric for fraying. Additionally, because Chaser Yachts is no longer in business, original hardware can be difficult to source; ensure the rudder kick-up mechanisms and traveler cars are functional.
• Hull Leaks: Small catamarans are prone to water ingress at the hull-to-deck joints. Check the "pylons" or connection points between the hulls and the aluminum cross-beams. Persistent moisture inside the hulls can lead to significant weight gain and structural rot.

Community & Resources

While there is no dedicated factory support for the Chaser Cat today, owners often find technical crossover with the broader vintage catamaran community. The "Ontario Catamaran Sailing Association" and various regional multihull forums provide a wealth of knowledge on rigging and sail repair for 14-to-16-foot Canadian cats. Because the Chaser Cat shares design philosophies with other contemporary cats, parts can often be adapted from more common brands of that era.

The Verdict

The Chaser Cat is a nostalgic piece of Canadian maritime history that offers a thrilling, raw sailing experience for those who enjoy being close to the water. It serves as a testament to Chaser Yachts' versatility during the fiberglass boom.

Pros:

• High Performance: Capable of impressive speeds and "hull flying" in moderate winds.
• Portability: Lightweight enough for trailer towing and beach launching without a crane.
• Simplicity: Minimal systems make it an excellent platform for learning the fundamentals of multihull sailing.

Cons:

• Niche Support: As a defunct brand, finding model-specific replacement parts requires significant improvisation.
• Age-Related Wear: Most surviving units require structural attention to hulls and trampolines.
• Limited Utility: Lack of any interior space or storage makes it strictly a fair-weather daysailer.