Design and Construction
RS Sailing builds the Cat 14's hulls from three-layer rotomoulded polyethylene, a super-linear outer skin over a foaming core and a general-purpose inner liner. The material yields a hull set with significant volume anchor, enough that the boat can easily carry two crew and, at a maximum payload of 790 lbs (360 kg), accommodate three or four. Multihulls World's test of the XL version noted the anti-leeway plan beneath the hulls carries the heritage of the Dart 16 anchor, a proven leeway-control geometry from an earlier beach cat. At 7.02 feet of beam and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 55.93, the platform is beamy and lightly loaded.
Rig and Handling
The Cat 14 is rigged as a fractional sloop with 109.79 square feet on a 176-pound hull. Multihulls World sailed the XL version in a westerly of 10 to 15 knots with a slight sea state off Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, France. The same review observed that the 14 is more suited to children anchor, a useful framing for a cat whose maximum stated load is 790 pounds.
Accommodations
There are no cabins on a 13.94-foot rotomoulded cat; the hulls' volume lets two sail comfortably and up to four at the rated 360 kg limit. It is a day-sailing and training cat rather than a camp-cruiser.
Known Issues
The maximum weight of 790 lbs is a hard limit, and the reviewer's note that the boat is more suited to children defines the safe operating envelope rather than indicating a recorded failure.
Refits and Ownership
The Comptec PE3 polyethylene hulls are rotomoulded and robust against beach-launching knocks. With a 2017 production start and 176-pound displacement, it remains a light, easily trailered unit for clubs and families.
The Verdict
The RS Cat 14 is a thoughtfully scaled beach cat using modern rotomoulded construction and a borrowed Dart 16 leeway plan to deliver a stable, high-capacity platform for its size.
Pros
- Significant hull volume for a 13.94-foot cat, carrying two easily and up to four at 790 lbs
- Comptec PE3 rotomoulded polyethylene construction
- Anti-leeway geometry inherited from the Dart 16
Cons
- Maximum payload of 790 lbs restricts adult-heavy crews
- Reviewers found the boat more suited to children than to general adult use
