Menger Cat 19 Buyer's Guide
The Menger Cat 19 is an American trailerable catboat that began life in 1990 as an enlarged, improved successor to the Menger 17 after that model's molds were lost to a lightning fire. Built first by Menger Boatworks and later by Wagner and Thompson boatworks under the Thom Cat 19 name, it remains a small shoal-draft cruiser with a fixed stub keel and retractable centerboard, sleeping two and towing behind a car.
Layouts on the Used Market
On the used market you will find the same essential plan across examples: a double V-berth forward around a drop-leaf table on the centerboard trunk, a starboard galley with two-burner stove and sink just ahead of the companionway, and a port-side head opposite. A portable icebox sits under the cockpit rather than in a built-in box. The longer cockpit and added cabin port distinguish the 19 from the earlier 17, and the boat's 8-foot beam and 2,900-pound displacement keep accommodations minimal but functional for two.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The single most consequential upgrade for a trailer-sailor is the optional mast tabernacle, which period reviews found works well and recommend for lowering the 33.5-foot mast easily anchor. A 9 hp Yanmar diesel may be fitted in place of outboard power where the owner chose inboard propulsion. Beyond those, equipment choices on individual boats vary, but the catboat's simplicity means most systems are easy to assess.
What to Inspect
The known construction is fiberglass with wood trim, so inspect the wood trim for weathering or rot where it meets deck fittings. Verify the retractable centerboard and fixed stub keel for free movement and any grounding damage given the 1 foot 10 inch board-up draft. Confirm the mast tabernacle mechanism, if fitted, operates cleanly and that the transom-hung rudder and tiller steering are sound.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats are typically found in the United States. For a shopper, the Menger Cat 19 rewards a check of the centerboard trunk, wood trim condition, and whether a diesel or tabernacle is present.
- Confirm centerboard and stub keel integrity
- Check wood trim for rot at deck joints
- Verify mast tabernacle function if equipped
- Note engine type: outboard or 9 hp Yanmar diesel
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Menger Cat 19. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 7 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 25 | 2 | $14,950 | — |
| Jul 25 | 1 | $19,900 | +33.1% |
| Aug 25 | 1 | $22,900 | +15.1% |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $12,900 | -43.7% |
| Nov 25 | 1 | $12,990 | +0.7% |
| Dec 25 | 1 | $7,500 | -42.3% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $18,900 | +152.0% |
Where they're listed
Menger Cat 19 listings appear across 1 country. United States has the most listings with 4.
Country view
4 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $12,945 | 4 | 0 | 100.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Com-Pac Sun Cat 17-2 | 17.33' | $ 18,225 | 30 | 14 |
| Honnor Marine 19 | 23.62' | $ 19,195 | 28 | 7 |
| Menger Cat 19You are here | — | $ 12,945 | 4 | 0 |