Catbird 16: A simple daysailer or camp cruiser

摘要

This good daysailer and camp-cruiser floated from Karl Stambaugh's drawing table along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. Catbird's simple, yet perfectly proportioned, sheet-plywood hull will go together easily. Then this versatile 16-footer will take us across a bay or lake and (with only 6" draft) far up secluded creeks on the other side. The experienced designer drew plenty of rocker in Catbird's bottom. This little skiff might give up an occasional burst of speed to other flat-bottomed boats with straighter runs that can plane readily when reaching in a breeze. Yet she'll atone with better overall handling and speed-made-good through a variety of conditions. We can argue all day about the proper amount of rake ("flare" if you prefer) for the sides of a sailing skiff. Stambaugh has chosen moderation for Catbird. This skiff looks fine and sails well. In fact she might surprise even some experienced sailors. Tier-nan Roe in Ireland built a Catbird for a veteran of several Fastnet races. The happy owner reports that his new boat heels down to about 15 degrees, where "she gains considerable stability and just chugs along."