Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the My-Cat are defined by its symmetric, high-buoyancy hulls. In an era where many small catamarans suffered from "banana-shaped" hulls that were prone to pitchpoling (the bow diving under during a gust), the My-Cat was designed with a flatter rocker and more volume forward. This geometry allows the boat to remain stable at high speeds and resist the tendency to dive when sailing off the wind.
Technical data from Mystere Composites indicates that the boat utilizes a "V" hull profile at the stern, which acts as a fixed skeg to provide lateral resistance. While this means the boat cannot point as high into the wind as a daggerboard-equipped racing cat like the Mystere 5.5, it significantly simplifies handling. The boat is particularly noted for its performance in moderate breeze, where its 165 square feet of sail area can easily lift the windward hull. Handling is described by owners as "lively but predictable," making it a frequent choice for intermediate sailors transitioning from monohulls to the higher speeds of multihull sailing.
The My-Cat’s rig is a fractional sloop, typically featuring a rotating mast that optimizes the sail's leading edge. Because the hulls are symmetric and lack moving underwater foils, the boat is exceptionally easy to launch and recover directly from a sandy beach, a trait that prioritized its use in resort environments and coastal sailing schools.
Popular Mentions & Media
The My-Cat enjoyed significant popularity within the North American multihull community, particularly in the Northeastern United States and across Canada. It was a staple of the "Open Class" racing circuit, where its rugged construction allowed it to compete in conditions that often deterred lighter, more fragile boats. The model was frequently featured in regional publications like Canadian Yachting, which lauded Mystere for its advancement in composite manufacturing techniques. While it did not reach the global production numbers of the Hobie 16, it earned a reputation as the "thinking sailor’s beach cat" due to its refined hull shapes and more ergonomic trampoline layout.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a vintage MY Cat should focus their inspection on the structural points where the aluminum crossbeams (spars) interface with the fiberglass hulls.
- Deck Delamination: The most common technical issue is softness in the fiberglass sandwich on the decks, specifically in the area between the forward crossbeam and the shroud chainplates. Press firmly across the deck to check for "give" or a crunching sound, which indicates the core has separated from the skin.
- Crossbeam Bolt Torque: Over time, the bolts securing the aluminum beams to the hulls can work loose, leading to a "racked" frame. Check the bolt holes for any signs of elongation or stress cracking in the surrounding gelcoat.
- Rudder Casting Fatigue: The kick-up rudder system uses aluminum castings that are prone to oxidation and stress cracking. Inspect the pivot points for hairline fractures and ensure the locking mechanism holds the blade firmly in the downward position.
- Trampoline Integrity: The My-Cat uses a track-fed trampoline system. Inspect the aluminum tracks on the inboard side of the hulls for any sections where the track has pulled away or the rivets have sheared, which can be a difficult repair.
Community & Resources
Support for the My-Cat continues through the legacy documentation of Mystere Composites. While the brand has transitioned through various phases of production, the design remains a favorite in the multihull community. Technical discussions and rigging guides are frequently found within regional catamaran associations, such as the Ontario Catamaran Sailing Association, which historically supported Mystere-specific classes.
The Verdict
The MY Cat remains a highly capable, durable, and surprisingly quick beach catamaran that excels in recreational and coastal environments. It is a testament to the longevity of Canadian composite engineering.
Pros
- Daggerboard-free design makes beaching and shallow-water sailing effortless.
- More resistant to pitchpoling than many contemporary 15-to-16-foot catamarans.
- Stronger hull construction compared to lighter-weight racing equivalents.
Cons
- Heavier than pure-bred racing cats, making it slightly slower in light-air conditions.
- Replacement parts (specifically original rudder castings) can be difficult to source.
- Lacks the extreme pointing ability of a board-equipped catamaran.
