Sailing Performance & Handling
The defining characteristic of the Supercat 15 is its "elliptical hull" design, a patented innovation by Bill Roberts intended to solve the "pitchpoling" (nose-diving) problem common in early multihulls like the Hobie 16. The hulls feature a deep V-shape in the forward six feet to provide a lifting surface, transitioning to a rounder shape at the stern to allow the boat to slide sideways during tacks. This geometry allows the boat to perform efficiently to windward without daggerboards or centerboards.
In terms of feel, owner anecdotes and manufacturer technical notes from Aquarius Sail describe the 15 as a "smoother, beefier" ride than its competitors. While it lacks the nervous, flighty nature of low-volume cats, it remains capable of impressive speeds; the hull's buoyancy allows sailors to "drive the bows" hard into the wind. Because the hulls carry more volume than a similarly sized Hobie, the boat resists sinking its leeward hull when loaded with two adults, maintaining a level of stability that makes it an excellent platform for teaching or family outings. It is significantly more forgiving in gusty conditions, though it requires a specific technique—keeping the waterline halfway up the stem—to maximize its windward pointing ability.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a used Supercat 15, buyers should prioritize the structural integrity of the hull-to-deck joins and the high-stress areas around the crossbeams.
- Mast Step and Base: The mast step base on early models can become brittle or crack under extreme tension; ensure the base is seated firmly and shows no signs of spiderweb fracturing in the fiberglass.
- Hull Dimples: Some units have shown "stress dimples" on the sides of the hulls directly under the front crossbeam. While often cosmetic, these indicate a history of hard racing or high-tension rigging that should be inspected for softening.
- Rudder Assembly: The Supercat 15 uses the same oversized, balanced rudders as the Supercat 17. Check the kick-up mechanism and the gudgeons for play, as worn rudders will significantly degrade the boat's ability to tack—a critical factor for a boardless catamaran.
- Trampoline Tracks: Ensure the tracks that secure the mesh trampoline to the hulls are not pulling away. Replacing these tracks or the trampoline itself is a common refurbishing task, and parts are still supported by the original manufacturer.
Community & Resources
The Supercat 15 benefits from a dedicated and technical owner community centered around Aquarius Sail Inc., which still operates out of Wyoming, Minnesota. Unlike many defunct beach cat brands, Aquarius continues to provide technical support, replacement parts, and even new sails for the Supercat line. The Aquarius Sail Owners forum serves as the primary technical wiki for the class, containing extensive records on rigging specifications and tuning guides authored by the designer, Bill Roberts.
The Verdict
The Supercat 15 is a robust, thoughtfully engineered beach catamaran that offers a compelling mix of high-speed potential and low-maintenance simplicity.
Pros
- Boardless Simplicity: No daggerboards to damage in shallow water or foul in seaweed.
- Anti-Pitchpole Design: High-volume hulls provide a safety margin that makes the boat much harder to flip forward than its peers.
- Continued Support: One of the few vintage beach cats with an active manufacturer providing OEM parts.
- Durability: Built with a "beefier" layup than many lightweight racing cats, making it a long-lived investment.
Cons
- Weight: Heavier than some contemporary 15-footers, making it more challenging to drag across a sandy beach without a set of cat-trax.
- Tacking Technique: Requires a steeper learning curve to tack effectively compared to board-equipped boats.
- Market Scarcity: Far fewer units were produced compared to the Hobie or Nacra lines, making them harder to find on the used market.
