Cat Ketch 17 by Bateau.com

An able camping cruiser with good performance and easier to build than any other boat of her type.

Faced with many requests for onboard camping features for our Caravelle 16, we decided, instead of modifying the Caravelle, to design a new boat with a clear priority given to simplicity.

We choose a typical well proven sharpie style hull with an unstayed cat ketch rig: simplicity of building and simplicity of sailing.

The separated cockpits and ample storage are ideal for extended camping expeditions. This boat would be the ideal tool to explore the Florida Keys or any other remote place.

The forward cockpit is 92" (2,35 m) long and 70" (1,80 m) wide. With the floor board lifted up, it offers a completely flat platform for an inflatable mattress. The rear cockpit is 65" by 68" (165 x 172 cm) and if not used for cooking or a Porta-Potti, large enough for two children. Storage space is everywhere: under the seats and in the forward cuddy.

A simple tent made of a tarp on the sprits between the masts will suffice in good weather but many small 2 persons tents will fit on the forward cockpit platform of a custom tent can be made by a marine canvas maker.

Unlike some other boats of that type, the masts must not be removed to install the platform or a tent.

The daggerboard has a unique feature: thanks to the shape of the inside of the daggerboard case, it will kick up in case of grounding (centerboard optional). When not in use, the daggerboard stores completely out of the way along a side of the rear cockpit. The rudder has a kick up blade too.

The rig is simple: plain unstayed mast with laced sails and simple sprit. Almost no hardware to keep it simple and inexpensive. It looks good too. The boat can be rigged in minutes on the trailer or on the beach.

As designed, the boat is well balanced and in strong winds, we expect the sails to be reduced from the bow first. The mast are intechangeable: the mizzen can take the place of the main and this allows for all kind of adjustments in function of the wind and load. She can safely be sailed singlehanded with a deep reef in the main and full mizzen.

The layout separates the "passengers" from the skipper: all sheets and the daggerboard can be reached from that cockpit, the boat maneuvers without asking the crew to move but if they want, they can participate and handle the main sheet.

The sail area to displacement ratio shows very good speed potential but for tranquil sailing and safety in bad weather, we show two deep reef lines in the sails.