Core Sound 17 and Cat Ketch Rig

[hoss]

I really like this design and have been thinking of building one. Does anyone have any thoughts on the design, especially the “Cat Ketch” rig it uses.

I plan on using the boat on Lake Huron so it needs to be able to get me in if it blows up. Speed means little to me. I’m not much of a sailor, in that I will take Kayaks, Canoes, and Power Boats out in some really rough weather (to the point of being stupid), but Sailboats have always made be cautious, (maybe it’s all that leaning). Therefore I would like a fairly forgiving boat. It also has to be fast to rig as I will sail it off a trailer.

What do you all think good choice or other ideas.

[Dave Hadfield]

It sounds like a perfect match to me, though I haven't been on a Core Sound.

Build it with a 3rd, central, mast step, so you can sail with only 1 mast up, still balanced, if it gets to really blowing.

Where will it be based?

[Tom Lathrop]

The CS 17 is a great boat for just the uses you mention. The unstayed cat-ketch is the easiest to rig/unrig and is a joy to handle. Go over to the B&B forum where you will get all the info you need.

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=c00f7bc381f8fe8ba8e0ff0fcfb5a4dc

[Dave Thibodeau]

I have sailed on this boat with the designer Graham Byrnes when he visited me in Marblehead Mass. This rig would be ideal for your needs. If built according to plans and having a proper set of sails made it is a very good performer

[hoss]

It will be based in Grand Bend on Lake Huron Dave. Having the option of using the centre mount mast is really appealing.

Thanks Tom I've been to the B&B forum. I thought I would post here to get some other opinions. Everyone "over there" seems to love the boat. I guess I'm a little sceptical about the rig as you see so few of them on the water (I've never seen one).

[Moonshadow]

If stitch and glue construction is in mind, I think the 17 is hard to beat for what you want.

Well thought out, easily built in that mode, a fine boat in the parameters.

With well designed rig, as someone mentioned accomadation for a single sail, I think that boat would do all you desire, and more.

If you aren't familiar with sail, take some basic lessons as you build. If you really grok taking kayaks out in the smuff, you'll take to it like a duck to water. Now, you've got sail and wind to contend with.

[Tom Lathrop]

Hoss,

There are a few thing to set the cat-ketch apart from most other rigs. If you have a gust, the foresail is let go first instead of the aft sail as in most split rigs. Learning this sent the only water over the side that I ever had. Now you know.

The sprit boom cat ketch is the easiest rig to handle that I have ever used. The article on the cat-ketch on the website tells the truth. Not to worry. Also read about the results in the 300 mile Everglades Challenge.

http://www.watertribe.com/Default.aspx?Expand=7&ucPtr=Everglades/EvergladesTeaser.ascx

[Ray Frechette Jr]

I have a couple of web pages on the design too that may possibly be of interest to you. Gives my impressions of the dsesign and benefits to it.

http://www.greatfallsboatworks.com/designs/coresound.html

I built a CS 20 for a client in Rhode Island who opted to go with fixed mast sections and mast track instead of the luffsleaves and collapsible mast sections.

Then you reef just like you would with jiffy reefing. No real need for the middle mast step if you opt for mast track on the mast.

[Dave Hadfield]

Grand Bend. So that means you're nearly always on a lee-shore. Few harbours.

I'd treat it like a kayak in that situation. Day-sail generally up-wind, so that if it blows up (and Lake Huron sure can blow up) you can broad-reach home.

At least you'll be able to wiggle into the little creek-mouths if required.

And it'll be easy to trailer up to Tobermory, and sail among the islands, or take the Ferry across to Manitoulin and sail the North Channel.

Sounds like a very good boat choice to me.

[hoss]

You are right about the habours Dave, they are miles apart. On this coast it almost seems you have to go real big or small enough to beach in a emergency.