Pacific Catamaran Information, Review, Specs

The transition of production to Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. in Gloucester, Virginia, aligned the P-Cat with Roger Moorman’s philosophy of "all-plastic" construction. Moorman, a pioneer in fiberglass application as noted in the Fishing Bay Yacht Club history, utilized the same robust manufacturing techniques for the P-Cat that he applied to his eponymous Mobjack sloop. This resulted in a boat that was significantly heavier than its contemporary rivals but possessed a structural rigidity that allowed it to handle the chop of the Chesapeake Bay and the heavy swells of the Pacific coast with equal aplomb.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pacific Catamaran is defined by its massive sail area relative to its waterline, carrying approximately 267 square feet of sail between the main and jib. This high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio makes the P-Cat a formidable performer in light air, where it can easily outpace larger monohulls. However, the boat truly comes alive in a breeze; it was designed specifically to "fly a hull," a feat that requires precise coordination between the helm and the crew on the trapeze.

Unlike modern asymmetrical hulls found on newer catamarans, the P-Cat utilizes symmetrical hulls with deep fiberglass daggerboards. This configuration provides exceptional tracking and allows the boat to point remarkably high for a multihull of its vintage. Handling is characterized by a "stiff" feel due to the solid bridge deck, which eliminates the torsional flex common in early catamaran designs. While this rigidity improves energy transfer from the sails to the water, it also means the boat is less forgiving in pitch-pole conditions. Sailors often describe the P-Cat as a "momentum boat"—it requires careful management of speed through stays, as the weight of the solid deck can make tacking sluggish if the maneuver is not executed with sufficient speed.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Pacific Catamaran enjoyed a period of significant cultural prominence during the "Golden Age" of multihull racing in the 1960s and 70s. It was a staple of the Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race, where P-Cats frequently led the multihull divisions. The class's reputation for speed was such that it was often used as a benchmark in early multihull speed trials. While the class has since moved into the "classic" category, it remains a subject of technical interest in historical retrospectives of American boatbuilding. Its association with Newport Boats also links it to the broader history of the Finn and Lightning classes, as these models were often produced alongside the P-Cat, sharing the same high-standard fiberglass techniques of the mid-century.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a vintage Pacific Catamaran must account for the age of the fiberglass and the specific stresses inherent to a high-tension multihull.

• Bridge Deck Delamination: The most critical area for inspection is the solid fiberglass bridge deck. Over decades, moisture can ingress into the core (if equipped) or cause separation of the laminate layers. Tap the deck with a phenolic hammer to listen for dull thuds indicating voids.
• Daggerboard Trunk Stress: Because the P-Cat generates significant lift and lateral resistance, the trunks housing the daggerboards are subject to immense torque. Check for "spiderweb" stress cracks at the base of the trunks where they meet the hull.
• Mast Step Compression: The P-Cat uses a high-tension rig to keep the forestay tight. Inspect the mast step on the bridge deck for any signs of sinking or crushing, which suggests the internal support structure has compromised.
• Rudder Casting Fatigue: The original aluminum rudder castings are prone to corrosion and metal fatigue. Ensure the kick-up mechanism operates smoothly and that there are no hairline fractures in the metal housings.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: Given the power of the sail plan, the chainplates (where the shrouds attach to the hulls) must be rock solid. Verify that the backing plates are secure and that the surrounding fiberglass is not flexing.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Pacific Catamaran is preserved primarily through regional sailing clubs and vintage multihull associations. The Pacific Catamaran Association (PCA) was the primary governing body for the class during its peak and remains the best reference for technical specifications and original sail plans. Owners often congregate within the broader multihull community, particularly through the Fishing Bay Yacht Club, which maintains historical records of Roger Moorman’s production years and the development of the class in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Verdict

The Pacific Catamaran is a powerhouse of the 1960s that offers a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and genuine high-speed capability. It is a boat for the sailor who appreciates the "overbuilt" quality of early fiberglass manufacturing and the thrill of trapeze-driven multihull racing.

Pros

• Exceptional Speed: Still capable of outperforming many modern dinghies in a variety of wind conditions.
• Structural Rigidity: The solid deck provides a stable, dry platform compared to trampoline-only cats.
• Historical Significance: A true classic of American multihull design with a dedicated niche following.

Cons

• Weight: At approximately 500 lbs, it is difficult to beach-launch alone and requires a dedicated trailer.
• Tacking Difficulty: Like many classic cats, it requires a specific technique and jib-backing to avoid getting "caught in irons."
• Maintenance: Older fiberglass hulls and aging hardware require constant vigilance and technical upkeep.