Sailing Performance & Handling
With a total sail area of 133 square feet and a displacement of approximately 700 pounds, the Crystal Cat possesses a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio that suggests a capable, if not blistering, performance profile. The fractional rig is designed for ease of handling, featuring smaller headsails that simplify tacking—a common pain point for catamaran sailors. The solid fiberglass deck eliminates the "trampoline sag" found on other small cats, providing a stiff platform that translates wind energy more directly into forward motion.
However, the boat’s weight is a double-edged sword. At 700 pounds, it is nearly double the weight of a Hobie 16, which means it requires more breeze to "unstick" the hulls from the water and reach planing speeds. Owners have noted that while it may not fly a hull as readily as a lightweight racing cat, it offers a much more "sea-kindly" motion in chop. The draft ranges between 1.12 and 1.42 feet depending on the load, allowing it to be sailed into shallow waters and easily beached. Its tracking is helped by the hull shape, though it lacks the deep daggers of pure racing machines.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Crystal Cat with the understanding that the Rainbow Boat Company is no longer in business, making original parts—particularly specialty rigging and proprietary hardware—difficult to source.
- Deck-to-Hull Integrity: Because the boat utilizes a solid fiberglass deck rather than a trampoline, the joints where the deck meets the hulls are under significant stress. Inspect these areas thoroughly for "crazing," spider cracks, or signs of separation, as these can lead to water intrusion into the hulls.
- Weight Management: The hulls are made of fiberglass, which is durable but susceptible to "osmotic blistering" if left in the water for extended periods. Given its 700-pound weight, any water absorption in the core or delamination will make the boat prohibitively heavy for beach launching.
- Rudder System: Technical discussions on The Beach Cats forum suggest the rudder hardware is a common point of wear. Ensure the kick-up mechanism is functional and that the pintles and gudgeons are not wallowed out, as the increased weight of this model puts more strain on the steering gear than on lighter catamarans.
- Mast and Rigging: Many Crystal Cats found today are "project boats" missing their original rotating masts. Verifying the integrity of the mast step and the standing rigging is essential, as the fractional rig configuration requires specific tensioning to perform correctly.
Community & Resources
Due to its limited production run, the Crystal Cat does not have a dedicated formal class association. Enthusiasts typically find technical support and historical data through broader multihull communities. The Beach Cats and SailNet are the primary repositories for owner anecdotes and rigging advice. While no longer in production, the boat’s designer, Barry Moore, is occasionally cited in historical multihull literature for his work in the Florida boat-building scene of the 1980s.
The Verdict
The Crystal Cat is an intriguing "lost" model of the 1980s multihull boom, offering a unique middle ground between a beach cat and a small day-cruiser.
Pros
- Stiffness: The solid fiberglass deck provides a much more rigid and comfortable platform than traditional trampolines.
- Ease of Tacking: The fractional rig and hull design make it less prone to getting "caught in irons" than many other small catamarans.
- Stability: Its weight and beam make it a more forgiving platform for beginners or those sailing with children.
Cons
- Weight: At 700 lbs, it is difficult to move on land without a dedicated trailer or high-quality beach wheels.
- Obsolescence: The lack of a manufacturer or spare parts inventory means most repairs will require custom fabrication.
- Performance Ceiling: It lacks the raw speed and light-air agility of lighter, trampoline-based competitors.
