Thom Cat 19 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing a Thom Cat 19 is an exercise in managing power and leverage. With a beam of 9 feet on a 19-foot hull, the vessel possesses extraordinary initial stability, often described by owners as feeling more like a 25-foot keelboat than a 19-foot centerboarder. This stability is a hallmark of the catboat design, allowing the boat to carry a generous 330 square feet of sail on a single mast stepped far forward.

In light air, the Thom Cat 19 is surprisingly nimble, though its 3,200-pound displacement means it carries significant momentum. As the wind freshens, the primary handling characteristic is the development of weather helm. This is common to all large-sail catboats; however, Thompson continued the Menger tradition of using a high-aspect rudder to help mitigate the pull. Sailors often find that reefing early is the key to maintaining control, as the boat remains remarkably fast even with a reduced sail area. The draft is a mere 1' 10" with the board up, making it an exceptional tool for "gunkholing" in the shallow bays of Long Island or the Chesapeake, while the board-down draft of 4' 6" provides the necessary bite for upwind tracking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many 19-footers that are strictly open daysailers, the Thom Cat 19 features a cabin that is genuinely habitable for coastal cruising. Thompson Boatworks maintained the original interior layout which maximizes the 9-foot beam to provide a sense of space that is rare in this size category. The cabin typically includes two 6' 6" berths, a small galley area, and space for a portable or marine head.

Materials throughout the interior emphasize a "shipshape" feel, often utilizing teak accents against a clean white fiberglass liner. Because Thompson Boatworks produced these boats largely to order, there is some variation in interior finish and equipment, such as the inclusion of a built-in freshwater tank or specialized cabinetry. The Thom Cat 19’s sibling, the Thom Cat 15, is a much smaller, often open-cockpit alternative that lacks this cruiser-oriented interior, highlighting the 19’s role as the dedicated weekend traveler of the lineup.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Thom Cat 19 shares the limelight with its predecessor, the Menger Cat 19, in regional maritime circles. The design has been featured in Small Boats Magazine, which highlights the boat's ability to provide a "big boat" experience in a trailerable package. The model's reputation is further solidified by the community within The Catboat Association, where the Thompson-built versions are recognized for upholding the build quality established by the Menger family.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Thom Cat 19 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical and structural nuances of the gaff rig and the centerboard system.

1. Centerboard Trunk: The trunk is a common point of stress. Inspect the pivot pin area for any signs of weeping or fiberglass crazing, which can indicate the board has been grounded hard or the pennant has seen excessive strain.
2. Gaff Rig Hardware: Examine the gaff jaws and the leathering around the mast. Excessive wear here can lead to binding when raising or lowering the sail. Ensure the peak and throat halyards move freely through the blocks.
3. Engine Maintenance: Many Thom Cat 19s were equipped with small Yanmar diesel inboards. Check the motor mounts and the shaft seal, as the vibration in a light hull can lead to premature wear of these components compared to larger vessels.
4. Chainplate Deck Seals: Like many traditional-style boats with wooden or reinforced decks, the areas where the shrouds meet the deck should be checked for moisture intrusion, which can compromise the core over time.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is The Catboat Association, an organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of the type. They provide technical bulletins and an annual "Registry of Catboats" that helps track the provenance of Thompson and Menger hulls. Additionally, the Long Island Catboat Association offers a more localized community for those sailing in the waters where these boats were originally conceived and built.

The Verdict

The Thom Cat 19 is a connoisseur’s boat, appealing to those who value traditional lines and shallow-water capability without the maintenance burden of a wooden hull.

Pros

• Massive Stability: The 9-foot beam provides a secure platform for families and nervous sailors.
• Draft Versatility: Capable of sailing in less than two feet of water.
• Interior Volume: Offers genuine overnighting capability in a 19-foot package.
• Heritage: Built from the respected Menger molds with high-quality fiberglass work.

Cons

• Weather Helm: Requires active sail management and early reefing in heavy air.
• Trailering Breadth: The 9-foot beam exceeds the standard 8' 6" limit in many states, often requiring wide-load permits for road transport.
• Complexity: The gaff rig involves more lines (peak and throat halyards) than a standard Bermuda rig, which may pose a learning curve for beginners.