Detroit River Cat Boat

[TomHaven12]

Does anyone have any info on a boat used as a fleet boat by the Detroit Boat Club and Detroit Yacht Club during the 30's known locally as a "Detroit River Cat Boat"

[BrianCunningham]

Have you tried contacting the club?

http://www.dyc.com/



[This message has been edited by BrianCunningham (edited 11-11-2000).]

[David Mendes]

There is a chapter in D. Esterly's book (out-of-print) "Early One-Design Sailboats" about the catboat fleet at the Detroit Yacht Club. They're called Luedtke (sp?) catboats. Fascinating book and it's sometimes available through the on-line used booksellers. I just checked and found that a number of copies are listed on <www.bookfinder.com>. Hope this helps.
Regards,
David Mendes

[TomHaven12]

Here are some snapshots of the boat I am trying to identify. http://www.kerchevalave.com/alpha2/kp.html

Thanks,

Tom

[David Mendes]

The boat in your pictures appears to be identical to the class described (with photos and plans) in Diana Esterly's book. It had other names: "Taft Cup", "CK", "K" class, etc. There's a long write-up about it in the book. Originally designed by Charles Mower, but with later inputs and rig changes by others.
Regards,
David Mendes

[DougGray]

Sailing Craft, edited by Edwin J. Schoettle, published by The Macmillan Company 1949 has a chapter on Taft Cup boats that includes many photos and drawings. The boat in the photos is a dead ringer for a Taft Cup Boat. Note that this reference connects the design to the Toledo Yacht Club.

[TomHaven12]

I got a copy of D. Esterly's book "Early One-Design Sailboats" and I'm sure you are right! The boat in question is undoubtedly a Luedke Catboat known locally as "The Detroit River Catboat." Thanks all for your help.