Tiger Cat Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tiger Cat was engineered for speed and stability, characteristics that allowed it to famously dominate early multihull competitions. Its defining moment occurred at the 1959 Yachting Magazine "One-of-a-Kind" regatta, where it outperformed a diverse field of monohulls and multihulls alike, proving that the catamaran platform was a viable contender for serious racing. With a length overall of 17 feet and a beam of nearly 8 feet, the vessel offers a massive amount of initial stability compared to the dinghies of its era.

The handling is defined by its twin-hull configuration and a high-aspect-ratio rig. Unlike the heel-heavy monohulls designed by Carl Alberg, the Tiger Cat remains flat, translating wind energy directly into forward motion. Owners and historical accounts from the era note that the boat is particularly potent on a reach, though, like many early catamarans, it requires careful technique to tack successfully without getting caught "in irons." The use of twin centerboards—one in each hull—allows for significant lateral resistance when sailing upwind, while the twin rudders provide the necessary bite to control the wide platform. Because it lacks the heavy lead keels found in Pearson’s larger cruising yachts, the Tiger Cat is incredibly sensitive to weight distribution, rewarding an active crew that can balance the hulls in gusty conditions.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tiger Cat’s cultural footprint is inextricably linked to the "One-of-a-Kind" regatta of 1959, an event that is frequently cited in multihull history books as the "shot heard 'round the world" for catamaran racing. This victory was a major marketing tool for Pearson Yachts and is often mentioned in retrospectives of Bill Tripp’s diverse career. The boat's success helped pave the way for later performance catamarans, though the Tiger Cat itself remained a niche product compared to the mass-produced monohulls that followed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For a boat built in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the primary concern for any prospective buyer is the structural integrity of the bridge and the hull-to-deck joints.

1. Crossbeam Fatigue: The aluminum or wooden crossbeams (depending on the specific production year and subsequent modifications) are under immense tension. Check for any signs of stress cracking or corrosion where the beams meet the fiberglass hulls.
2. Fiberglass Delamination: While Pearson was a pioneer in fiberglass, early layup techniques were sometimes inconsistent. Inspect the decks and hulls for soft spots, which may indicate core rot or delamination from decades of moisture ingress.
3. Centerboard Trunks: The twin centerboard trunks are common points of failure. Look for leaks or structural cracks around the trunk openings, as these areas endure significant side-loading during upwind beats.
4. Hardware Bedding: Most Tiger Cats still in existence will have original deck hardware. Ensure that cleats and stay-points are not pulling through the deck, a common issue if the original backing plates have corroded or if the fiberglass has weakened over time.
5. Trampoline Condition: Replacing the trampoline on a vintage catamaran can be a custom job. Inspect the lacing eyes on the hulls to ensure they are still securely fastened and capable of holding the tension of a new trampoline.

Community & Resources

Enthusiasts of the Tiger Cat often find a home within the broader Pearson Yachts community. The Pearson Yachts Portal serves as a digital archive for the builder’s various models, including technical drawings and historical brochures. Additionally, the William H. Tripp, Jr. design archives occasionally feature documentation on his smaller racing designs, providing valuable context for those performing historical restorations.

The Verdict

The Tiger Cat is a vintage speedster that offers a unique window into the early days of performance multihull design. It is less a "family day sailer" and more a "collector’s racer," suited for those who appreciate the intersection of Bill Tripp’s naval architecture and Pearson’s historical role in the fiberglass revolution.

Pros:

• Historical significance as a pioneer of fiberglass catamarans.
• Exceptional speed and stability for a 17-foot vintage boat.
• Unique aesthetic that stands out in any fleet of modern cats or classic monohulls.

Cons:

• Rare parts availability; many components will require custom fabrication.
• Demanding to sail at its limit, especially for those used to modern, lightweight beach cats.
• Potential for significant structural "hidden" issues due to the age of early fiberglass layups.